Woodson on rematch: 'We're gonna win'

[BK]

Woodson on rematch: 'We're gonna win'

[i:32280dc86e]Raiders notebook - bayarea[/i:32280dc86e]

ALAMEDA -- Cornerback Charles Woodson isn't trying to stir up emotions with a little trash talking before Sunday's rematch with the New England Patriots.

He's just tired of answering the same old questions.

After Monday night's Raiders win over the Denver Broncos, Woodson was asked about playing the Patriots just one season removed from Oakland's controversial playoff game. The Patriots won that game after a late forced fumble by Woodson was overturned by the "tuck" rule.

"We're gonna win," he told the Boston Globe.

Fighting words?

Woodson just smiled. "I knew it was a big thing," he said. "(The reporter) asked me a question about how I felt about the game and I've answered the question so many times over the course of the season. And I just came up with, 'We're gonna win the game.' That's how I think about every game. I always think we're gonna win."

That's not to say Woodson is offering any guarantees.

"All I can guarantee is that we're going to go out and try to win it," Woodson said. "That's all I'm worried about."

Woodson has enough to contend with these days as he endures yet another injury.

A week after pulling his hamstring, Woodson is questionable with a groin injury, although he did practice Thursday. Those two injuries followed his return from a broken bone in his right shoulder, which cost him six weeks of practice and five games.

"I lost everything I'd worked for in training camp," Woodson said. "It's very frustrating. I've never had to deal with so many injuries."

It didn't help that his post-injury debut Nov. 3 featured a matchup with 49ers receiver Terrell Owens.

"It just didn't work out for me. My body was kind of breaking down," Woodson said. "Right now, my body's just breaking down, trying to rebuild itself. A couple more games and I'll be right where I need to be."

Tag along

When cornerback Phillip Buchanon was placed on injured reserve because of a broken left wrist sustained Oct. 20 against the San Diego Chargers, it looked as if a trip back to his college town was out of the question.

Players on injured reserve usually don't make road trips. But Raiders coach Bill Callahan is making an exception for Buchanon.

Buchanon traveled with the team to Denver last weekend and also will travel to Miami, where he starred at the University of Miami. The Raiders play the Dolphins on Dec. 15.

"We wanted Phillip to experience that, to see Denver," Callahan said. "We wanted him to be around the team when we were on the road."

Buchanon has continued to work out to keep in shape, doing everything except bench pressing, he said. The pins in his wrist are scheduled for removal during the week after the Miami game.

In the meantime, he's just enjoying what most players in his position never get -- a free trip.

"To go to any NFL game is good," Buchanon said. "My dream was always to play in an NFL game and going on a road trip and watching was definitely different. It was cold. It was fun because we won."

Extra points

Woodson, defensive end Trace Armstrong (ankle) and tight end Roland Williams (toe) practiced Thursday. Callahan said he expects all three to play Sunday. ... Offensive tackle Lincoln Kennedy said he will continue to play despite experiencing migraine headaches. "I don't really want to draw too much attention to this," he said. "I've had some headaches, a lot; let's just leave it at that."

[crizpynutz]

And we did, damn!! Woo-hoo, alright, maybe the ship has been righted.

[BK]

I was really impressed with the defense last night, bresnahan out together a good game plan, that's two in a row for him now, what's going on?

[daraydaz]

Trace Armstrong had his best game as a Raider. Travian Smith needs to see more action. He might be our fastest backer. Good job by the secondary too especially by James and Shaw, although I was concerned by the absence of our safeties on those two long passes by Brady.

[javdog2001]

The defense has really come together with two GREAT performances in six days. Seeing it happen against two quality teams was especially gratifying. There can be NO LETDOWN with this game at Arizona. Losing to them last year was one of our worst losses in years, and it cost us home field advantage in the playoffs.

But to speak directly on the question it seems to me that 11 guys are finally playing together and for each other. Exactly what T. Shaw emphasized a couple weeks ago.

[crizpynutz]

Yes, it is finally about teamwork. Man, I don't know, just as I start saying Bres has to go at the end of the year he puts up two great game plans in a row. WTF?? Not that I mind, just where did that come from? Some of it is players getting healthy and used to playing together, but I noticed that the last two games we barely ever used the prevent defense. I hate that damn defense and I think that change in philosophy might have helped the defense out.

[raidermaniac]

I agree, not playing much prevent the last two games have made a huge differnce. At least IMO. The defense has played so aggressive the past two weeks. Teams will have opprotunities against us, cause of James and Shaw. Not having Phillip back there maturing and learning from the two Woodsons. But that is just my opinon. But what is fact is this team is playing together and with pride, passion and heart. We keep this intensity up, no one can beat us.

RAIDERS 4 LIFE!!!!!!!!