I wrote a post on Friday saying that the Vikings could really use the 2009 version of Jared Allen to show up against the Packers.
You could say the same thing for Green Bay hoping last year’s Charles Woodson arrives on the field in a few minutes against Minnesota.
The 2009 Defensive Player of the Year has struggled in coverage and been called for nine penalties this year. His cornerbacks coach Joe Whitsett tells Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel there are no plans to move Woodson to safety, at least not this year.
"[Woodson] can’t cover anymore,” a personnel man that has watched every Packers game this season told McGinn. “He could have been called for 10 more penalties. He’s a guesser with great anticipation and instincts. That’s why he’s been so productive.”
Tramon Williams has taken over the No. 1 cornerback role in Green Bay, with quarterbacks often attacking Woodson. A move to safety makes sense eventually because he would still be in a position to make the “splash plays” that have mostly been absent this year.
Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt defended Woodson’s coverage skills, but admitted he “is not playing to his standards, and to the standards we’ve set for him.”
Despite the loss of two starting safeties for the year, Woodson will remain at cornerback. The Packers just hope he picks up his play.