Charles Woodson is Alone in Depleted Secondary: Any Doubters of Packers' D?

The reigning defensive player of the year, Charles Woodson has been on an island of his own so far this season.

And no, I don't mean Revis Island.

The Green Bay Packers' secondary has suffered a number of significant injuries, and it has been the story so far this season. The Packers have been torn apart thanks to bad mistakes and penalties, but also because they have not had all of their starters available for a game yet this season.

With major losses like Al Harris and Atari Bigby, Green Bay has had to shuffle the lineup around in order to keep up with opposing offenses.

Yesterday, the Packers also learned that they would be losing Morgan Burnett for the rest of the season. Burnett has been in for Bigby since training camp broke, and Atari was placed on the PUP list.

Needless to say, there have been a lot of questions to answer for an unproven secondary like the Packers.

One thing has been for certain, however: Charles Woodson and his ability to change the game.

On Sunday, against the Lions, the Packers were having more troubles with penalties, a problem they sought to solve after last week's terrible performance against the Bears. The Lions turned the game around, and were able to score some points against the defense, utilizing Calvin Johnson for two touchdowns.

When the Lions were able to get the ball back again, Woodson took control, intercepting a pass from Shaun Hill as he undercut the receiver's route. Charles sprinted for the end zone and scored, giving the Packers the score that would eventually keep them ahead of the Lions and win the game.

Woodson has 28 tackles and two forced fumbles on the season so far, but his only interception has been the one against the Lions. It could be said that, so far, Woodson has not lived up to his performance last season.

After all, one game-changing interception is hardly enough to propel him to the top, even on his own team. Yet, there is much to be said about his leadership abilities, and even his ability to create game-changing plays with so little help all around him.

As for the rest of the Packers' defense, the injury monster has reared its ugly head as well. Brandon Chillar remains out so far, and rookie Frank Zombo has been leading the push for his spot at outside linebacker so far.

With the loss of Johnny Jolly to bad decisions on the field, the defensive line has been shuffled around as well. The Packers have been throwing in different personnel almost every play, as well as showing the offense different formations in order to throw the offense off.

Yet, the loss is noticeable, as the Packers have ranked 25th this season in rushing defense.

Woodson may need to start taking up the role he played last season a little more if the Packers defense hopes to overcome these losses. His leadership is unrivaled on the field, and his ability to change the game in an instant is the way to lead this defense back to the top.