Raiders' Thomas is far from a one-position player

ALAMEDA -- Raiders defensive-backs coach Darren Perry knows a little bit about slashes.

Perry played at safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers when quarterback Kordell Stewart earned the nickname "Slash" as a rookie after playing at several positions.

Perry has found his own slash on the Raiders: Thomas Howard.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Howard starts at outside linebacker. But the second-year pro has lined up at cornerback, and there's no telling where he might be from play to play.

"The defensive-backs coaches, my coaches, just have trust in me," Howard said. "I like doing different stuff like that -- change up stuff, going out there rerouting (receivers), or back there at safety. You never know where you'll see me at. You've got to catch me."

Perry, 38, was Pittsburgh's defensive-backs coach from 2003 until last season, and he spent time finding ways to mask what All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu might do. Perry does the same with Howard, even though he's not a defensive back.

"First off, you've got to have athletic ability, and Thomas has a little bit of experience from playing strong safety in college (at UTEP)," Perry said. "But he's so fast and so gifted as an athlete. He's instinctive for a guy that's playing 'backer that can go out there and feel comfortable in space on a wide receiver. He's got some (defensive-back) instincts."

Howard, 24, leads the Raiders with 28 tackles and is the team co-leader, with good friend and fellow linebacker Kirk Morrison, with three interceptions. Howard also has a sack and a better understanding of the defense and the opposition this season. Combine that with Perry's creativity and Howard's athleticism, and both are having fun.

"(Perry) coming from that Pittsburgh scheme, they move around a lot and they disguise a lot in their defense, which can be huge," Howard said. "Whenever 'D.P.' comes to me with any ideas, all of his ideas have been excellent."

Howard has come through with big plays this season. He returned his Week 2 interception 44 yards for a touchdown against Denver. In Week 3 against Cleveland, he set up a field goal with an interception. He also was matched against the Browns' best receiver, Braylon Edwards, in pass coverage as a cornerback. Howard set up the Raiders' first touchdown against Miami on Sunday with a leaping interception.

"I was telling people he was going to have a great year, and he's already off to it," Morrison said.

Perry said Howard's intelligence plays a big role in his success thus far. Perry said he doesn't spend a lot of time teaching Howard what to do in the secondary. All it takes is a simple chat.

"He's very, very natural," Perry said. "He's a guy where, when you tell him something, he can apply it quickly. ... That's what you love to see as a coach."

Howard already is accustomed to enjoying his chats with Perry and looks forward to what he might do next. Howard might line up at safety, maybe even at defensive end. You never know when Howard and Perry get together.

"There's a lot of different things you could see me do, and we're just starting to see a few things," Howard said.

"Darren Perry's been a great addition to our team, and he's doing different things, trying to get different things in there because he knows the different things I'm able to do, and I've enjoyed it."

About the writer:

• The Bee's Jason Jones can be reached at jejones@sacbee.com.