Veteran DB Woodson inspires the defense

GREEN BAY, Wis. Charles Woodson is making 35 look like the new 25. The Green Bay Packers veteran cornerback, who turned 35 on Oct. 7, is leading the NFL with five interceptions. The three players directly behind him with four interceptions each are Kansas Citys Brandon Flowers (25 years old), New Englands Kyle Arrington (25) and the Jets Darrelle Revis (26). In NFL years, Woodson is nearing the age of half-price discounts at the movie theater and yet is on pace for more interceptions this season than in any of his previous 13 years in the league. Woodson only once had a five-interception season during his first eight years in the league. That was during his rookie season in 1998 after being drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders. Hes already collected five interceptions in seven games. Despite the Packers being the only undefeated team in the NFL at 7-0 heading into their bye week, their defense has been giving up a lot of yards. Green Bay is ranked 31st in the league in passing yards allowed and 27th in total yards allowed. However, the Packers are 10th in the NFL in points allowed. Woodsons interceptions have been part of a rallying cry for Green Bays defense. The team has subscribed to a bend, but dont break mentality that has helped them get by, albeit in a risky way. Led by Woodson, the Packers lead the NFL in interceptions with 13. It has been that opportunistic defense that has allowed Green Bay to pile up wins while making opposing quarterbacks all look like Pro Bowlers until a costly interception. Woodsons presence, playmaking ability and durability have proven invaluable. While his younger cornerback teammates have missed games this season Tramon Williams, 28 years old, missed Week 2 with a shoulder injury, and Sam Shields, 23, missed Week 7 with a concussion Woodson always finds a way to stay on the field. Well, he finds a way on to the field on game day. Woodson has rarely practiced this season due to injuries to his knees and feet. He did not participate in any Wednesday or Thursday practices for an entire month between Week 3 and 6, only being a limited participant on those Fridays. Since signing with the Packers in 2006 at age 29, Woodson has only missed two games. In 2005 his final season in Oakland he missed all but six games due to a broken leg. But the move from California to the chilly climate in Green Bay rejuvenated Woodsons career and has him playing like hes 10 years younger. In fact, Woodson is playing better than he was in his mid-20s. In five of his eight seasons in Oakland during the years in which most cornerbacks enjoy the prime of their careers Woodson had only one interception. It took him 59 games during the 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005 seasons combined to total five interceptions. Nowadays, Woodson can reach that number in seven weeks. Charles takes such good care of himself; hes a true pro, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. Hes a bright guy and he understands where youve got to be. The experience factor starts to pay off in terms of what angles to take and when to take your chances and when not to. Theres a lot to be said for that. Charles is just a very smart, instinctive guy. Hes a rare guy, obviously. His production over his career speaks for itself. Without Woodson playing at such a high level, the Packers would not have racked up a franchise-best 13 consecutive wins dating back to December 2010. Woodson has especially been a nightmare for rookie quarterbacks this season. With Green Bay down, 13-7, in Week 2 in Carolina, Woodson picked off Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton as the No. 1 overall pick was leading another successful drive down the field. Woodson intercepted Newton a second time one drive later to give the Packers a short field on offense to take a four point lead. Green Bay won that game, 30-23. Woodson again welcomed a new quarterback to the league in Week 7 against the Vikings with Christian Ponder making his first NFL start. Woodson intercepted two of Ponders passes in the third quarter to help the Packers hang on to win, 33-27. Perhaps the Packers have been forced to adopt the give up yards, not points attitude due to the continued, repeated results. Its not the type of philosophy that can work for an entire season and throughout an expected deep playoff run. With Minnesota at 1-6 and Carolina at 2-5, its unlikely that either of the two NFC teams being led by rookie quarterbacks will make it to the playoffs for Woodson to pick on. An improved pass rush would help Green Bay lessen the stress on Woodson and the secondary. The Packers are missing the dominance that linebacker Clay Matthews displayed in 2010 when the NFC Defensive Player of the Year racked up 13.5 sacks. Matthews currently has three sacks this season as he continues to make the adjustment of being given more attention by opposing offensive lines. But as long as Woodson is healthy enough to be on the field, forget about Revis Island, quarterbacks will have to think twice before throwing the ball in the direction of that 35-year-old wearing No. 21 in green and gold. Follow Paul Imig on Twitter