Woodson Feels Fine About Raider Defense

Cornerback Charles Woodson has read the newspapers and heard the buzz: The Oakland Raiders need better defense to win in the playoffs.

“There are a lot of people talking about how we have the weakest defense of the teams that are left,” he said. “But I think we have a pretty good defense. We’ve gotten the job done this far.”

The Raiders’ potent offense has overshadowed any problems with the defense, ranked 17th in the league. But Oakland has been surprisingly good at causing turnovers, recovering 16 fumbles and catching 21 interceptions.

Veteran cornerback Eric Allen has six interceptions, running three of them back for touchdowns to break a franchise record. William Thomas also has six interceptions, the most for an NFL linebacker this season.

Oakland Coach Jon Gruden is well aware of the importance of defense.

“I do believe defenses do win championships,” he said. “And this is the time of year where that phrase comes into reality.”

*

Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler struggled early in Miami’s first-round 23-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, throwing three interceptions.

He recovered with 14 completions in 20 attempts for 143 yards and a touchdown in the second half and overtime.

Such comebacks are characteristic for the Dolphins, who have trailed at halftime for their last four games.

“That’s definitely a cause for concern. We function better when we’re up, but anybody does,” receiver Oronde Gadsden said. “If we keep turnovers to a minimum, we’ll be fine.”

*

The most fireworks in the game likely will come when the Raiders’ offense knocks into Miami’s defense, ranked sixth in the league.

Defensive end Trace Armstrong topped the AFC with 16 1/2 sacks, followed by teammate Jason Taylor with 14 1/2. And Miami led the league with 28 interceptions.

“We’ve got to do an excellent job running patterns, being physical, being precise in the passing game,” Gruden said. “That’s the only way to go up against Miami.”

CAPSULE

* The line: Oakland by 9.

* Story line: Oakland gets its first playoff game since the Raiders returned from Los Angeles. The Dolphins have won their last three games against the Raiders, all in Oakland. This is a revival of sorts, as these teams combined for three memorable playoff games in the early ‘70s.

* Keys to the game: Jason Taylor and Trace Armstrong vs. Rich Gannon: The Dolphin duo must play a game of containment because when Gannon is flushed from the pocket, he keeps plays alive with his running ability. Lamar Smith: Smith is coming off a 40-carry, 209-yard rushing performance against the Colts. The Dolphins should avoid running up the middle into the Raiders’ strength, using trap and draw plays instead. Smith has carried the Dolphins into the playoffs with 13 touchdowns in the last 10 games. Tyrone Wheatley vs. Zach Thomas: The Raiders will probably double up on Miami’s defensive tackles to free Wheatley up the middle, where Thomas makes his living. Jay Fiedler: Fiedler does not have the arm strength to challenge the Raiders’ excellent cornerbacks deep. He will use play action, screens and quick slants to keep the Raider linebackers off balance.

* Injury report: MIA-WR Leslie Shepherd (knee, questionable). OAK-RB Napoleon Kaufman (knee, questionable); FB Jon Ritchie (ankle, questionable).

*--*

THE MATCHUPS MIA OAK Points scored 20.2 (16) 29.9 (3) Points allowed 14.1 (3) 18.7 (9) Passing Off. 160.4 (27) 206.6 (15) Rushing Off. 118.4 (14) 154.4 (1) Passing Def. 181.3 (5) 231.1 (25) Rushing Def. 108.5 (14) 96.9 (5) Time of Poss. 30:56 (12) 32:13 (5) Turnover Ratio +15 (5) +17 (T3) Red Zone TD% 54.4 (8) 58.5 (5) 3rd Down Con. 35.1 (23) 43.2 (5) Opp. 3rd Down 33.2 (4) 39.5 (22) 3 & Out 28.5 (29) 20.6 (8) Opp. 3 & Out 24.4 (12) 21.2 (20) Sacks 48 (7) 43 (11) Sacks Allowed 28 (T4) 28 (T4)

*--*

--Capsule by ROY JURGENS

* Robyn Norwood’s pick: Oakland--The home-field advantage will be too strong with the rested Raiders going against a Miami team that worked overtime to defeat Indianapolis and that will have to rely on quarterback Jay Fiedler if the Dolphins already wrung too much out of running back Lamar Smith last week.