Raiders' Charles Woodson credits Ken Norton Jr. for bringing new energy to club

Charles Woodson senses a renewed optimism in the Bay Area.

Woodson signed with the Raiders in May 2013 with the purpose of turning Oakland's recent fortunes around. It's been a tougher task than anticipated, though, with the young-and-upcoming team sputtering to a combined 7-25 record in his two seasons with the club.

The Raiders underwent a number of changes to their coaching personnel this offseason, including the hiring of defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who Woodson credits with bringing a new, positive energy to the franchise.

"It's fun. Different, just because of how fired up he is every day," Woodson told the team's official website. "Every morning when you walk in, he's the one guy that you're going to hear in the building. When you come in and you hear him, you almost have to be ready for work. It's been great. I think the guys have responded to him and his style. I think it's going to be fun to get a chance to work with him."

Norton won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers in the 1990s, and was named to the Pro Bowl three times. He spent the last five seasons coaching linebackers with the Seattle Seahawks.

"We need it," Woodson continued. "My take is that, the last couple of years that I've been here, it's been three wins and four wins. Whatever different that comes in and feels good, you welcome it. We feel good about not only him, but all of the guys that they've brought in. They all have that fire. It's been fun."

Woodson is the elder statesman on a promising defense that features linebackers Khalil Mack and Sio Moore. With a young, bright defensive mind commandeering the defense, Woodson's optimism is warranted for the first time since joining the club two summers ago.