Woods "best out of all" linebackers in Pats' preseason opener

Easy to defend this group

Young linebackers provide big boost

By Mike Reiss

August 11, 2008

When compared to the rest of the NFL over the last eight years, the Patriots have done well in identifying college talent and integrating those players into their system.

And any mention of young linebackers must also include Pierre Woods, a rookie free agent from 2006, who although now in his third season has not seen extensive playing time in the regular defense at outside 'backer. But Woods (6-5, 250 pounds) essentially went wire to wire Thursday night and might have been the most impressive linebacker of all with three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

As a former linebacker, longtime Patriot Steve Nelson naturally was keeping an eye on the team's new talent at the position.

Then there was Woods, who began building positive momentum on the second play of the game by taking on fullback Le'Ron McLain, shedding his block, and dropping Rice after a 1-yard gain. It was the type of no-frills power-based play that outside linebackers must make to earn playing time in the Patriots' defense. Woods then capped his night in the fourth quarter by sacking quarterback Joe Flacco and forcing a fumble, which he recovered.

"I thought he played the best out of all of them," Nelson said. "He was around the ball all night. You can see him improving, and that's going to be important for the Patriots because through the course of the year you need seven, eight linebackers to play."

Pierre Woods pulls weight at LB

By Karen Guregian

August 9, 2008

FOXBORO - While rookie linebackers Jerod Mayo and Shawn Crable received most of the accolades following the Patriots’ 16-15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason opener Thursday night at Gillette Stadium, the efforts of third-year linebacker Pierre Woods shouldn’t go overlooked.

Woods, who played most of the game in Mike Vrabel’s usual spot at left outside linebacker, set the edge and had the upper hand in most of his battles against tight ends and tackles.

Most impressive was his fourth quarter strip-sack of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and ensuing fumble recovery.

Known largely for his special teams play - last year he led the team with 22 special teams tackles - Woods is trying to finally break in on the linebacker rotation and make an impact on defense.

“The whole offseason I was up here for almost the entire year working out and working hard,” Woods said after Thursday’s game. “I will continue to do the things I’m supposed to do to become a better linebacker, and hopefully it will pay off.”

Coach Bill Belichick called Woods “one of our hardest-working kids. I think he has improved every year.”

Woods, meanwhile, could certainly relate to how rookies like Mayo and Crable felt playing their first NFL game.

“I think everyone is nervous their first game,” Woods said. “I was nervous my first game. It is the NFL, not college anymore. In college, you have a little bit more fun and time on your hands, and here it’s work, work, work. You got to do your job and know what you’re supposed to do and pay attention to detail.”

Pierre Woods Stars in Pats' Preseason Opener

There were some bright spots — mostly on defense, where many of New England’s regulars saw at least a few series’ worth of action.

Pierre Woods was the standout, as the former undrafted rookie finished with three tackles, a sack, a forced and recovered fumble and a pass defensed. He was one of the few players to play the entire game.

Woods started at outside linebacker opposite Adalius Thomas. With Mike Vrabel just coming off the physically unable to perform list, Woods has gotten a lot of time with the first-team defense in training camp. He led New England with 21 special-teams tackles last year but did not see much time with the defense.

“I think he’s improved every year,” Belichick said of Woods. “He has had a good training camp this year and it looked like he got in on a few plays out there.”

“I was up here [in New England] for almost the entire (offseason) working out and working hard,” Woods said. “I will continue to do the things I’m supposed to do to become a better linebacker, and hopefully it will all pay off.”