Routt Helps Raiders Turn The Corner On Defense

(AP) ALAMEDA — Oakland’s Stanford Routt was a frequent target for opposing quarterbacks when he began the season playing in the slot as an extra defensive back. Now a starter, Routt continues to see teams throw at him—but with different results.

Routt has two interceptions and is the lone member of the Raiders’ defensive backfield to record a pick so far this year. The only other Oakland players with interceptions are linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard, who have three apiece.

“I’ve been playing left corner since I was like in sixth grade,” Routt said Thursday. “I never really played slot till I got here. Even most corners around the league say that playing inside in the slot is a little more difficult than playing corner. But I’m still getting more comfortable day by day.”

Routt’s elevation into Oakland’s starting lineup came as part of a defensive shake-up two weeks ago. The Raiders were 0-2 and had given up 59 points in losses to Detroit and Denver. A year after leading the NFL in pass defense, they had fallen to 29th in that category and were struggling to keep opponents out of the end zone.

Cornerback Fabian Washington was benched in favor of Routt, defensive tackle Gerard Warren replaced starter Terdell Sands and B.J. Ward began taking reps in place of free safety Stuart Schweigert.

Since then, Oakland has won back-to-back games against Cleveland and Miami to move into a tie for first place in the AFC West. The Raiders are off this week.

For Routt, Oakland’s second-round pick in 2005, the move back to cornerback after playing in the slot was welcomed, albeit unexpected.