Jason Tarver, defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders, has a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UCLA.

“Yeah, a lab coat, glasses, pens in his pocket,” joked Charles Woodson. “I can see the whole thing.

“It’s been fun for me playing under him, and I know we can get better with him.”

The Raiders' defense has become quick, unpredictable and successful. It has also become the strength of the team.

“You turn bad into good, good into great,” Tarver said this week. “You guys have heard that from me before and that’s what we’re trying to do. The last three weeks it’s turned closer to good, but we’ve got to turn it into great.”