Oakland Raiders Film Room: Week 12 (Chiefs)
By Evan Ball
Woodson Makes An Offer That Can’t Be Refused
The Godfather of Oakland physically forced his way into the record books again, making multiple tackles behind the line of scrimmage, big stops for short gains, and throwing Alex Smith down for his 20th sack – all at 38 years old. As if being the only player to reach 50+ interceptions and 20 sacks EVER wasn’t enough, Woodson’s defensive prowess earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Surely, Kansas City thought on several plays that they might have had the option to get the yardage they needed to sustain the drive, but Woodson made it very clear to them, they’re basically going to do what he wants them to do.
Credit: NFL Game Rewind
Oakland brings out a big nickel sub-package (3 DLs, 3, LBs, 2 CBs, 3 Safeties) against Kansas City’s 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) on this zone run to the left. Woodson, lined up in man-coverage against TE Travis Kelce, follows across to formation before the snap. When Kelce flies back across the formation for the backside block Woodson doesn’t bite, reading the zone run immediately and knifes through the line before LG Mike McGlynn can get to him on the second-level block. He makes an amazing dive to tie up Jamaal Charles for the tackle and a 1 yard loss on 2nd & 1.
Credit: NFL Game Rewind
In the 3rd quarter Oakland blitzed Woodson from Giant Dime personnel (3 DLs, 2 LBs, 3 CBs, 3 Safeties – one in linebacker position) against Kansas City’s pass attempt on 3rd & 7 from 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs). They move Justin Tuck inside and the Antonio Smith inside (a la NASCAR) for the super-intimidating speed rush front. At the snap Tuck and DE Benson Mayowa work inside while Woodson crosses behind them for the outside rush. RB Jamaal Charles makes a critical error in letting himself get caught too deep in the hole and can’t get back around his tackle to stop Woodson before he reaches QB Alex Smith and throws him to the ground for his 20th career sack. Khalil Mack and Antonio Smith do a great job on the opposite side of the line compressing the pocket and giving Alex Smith nowhere to go.