On Sunday, the New England Patriots‘ secondary did enough to beat the AFC East rival New York Jets. New England received a huge boost as cornerback Christian Gonzalez made his return after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. But the biggest play of the day came from practice squad player-turned-starter Charles Woods.
With the Jets down 23-13 early in the fourth quarter, there was plenty of time left in the game for a comeback. From New England’s 48-yard line, Jets quarterback Geno Smith looked deep down the left sideline for a chunk play intended for tight end Kenyon Sadiq, but Woods instead made a diving interception that stalled the Jets’ drive.
During his press conference, New England’s All-Pro safety Kevin Byard spoke on Woods’s interception and how he has helped fill Davis III’s starting role.
“It was a phenomenal play. I mean, he turned into a receiver basically,” said Byard.
“[Smith] kind of just threw it up there, and Charles Woods, I think he got his first interception. So, super happy for him. I think [Vrabel] gave the game ball in there as well.”
“He’s been playing good football all year. He’s a starting corner in this league.”
Charles Woods Next Man Up
Woods has stepped up in a big way for New England’s secondary, with multiple defensive backs dealing with injuries this season. Woods has appeared in all six of New England’s games and has accumulated 25 tackles with four passes defended to go along with the interception.
Woods won’t have to wait long for his next chance to shine as New England has a short week, heading to Chicago to play the 4-2 Bears on Thursday Night Football.
Through six games, Chicago’s high-flying offense has put up the fifth most total yards. That is without their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams, for most of that stretch. Now that Williams is back, Woods will be tested on the outside, trying to stop either of Chicago’s young receivers, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.
Flying high from his first career interception, and with the trust of his All-Pro captain, look for Woods to further elevate himself from practice squad player to trustworthy cornerback in prime time.
