What I'd Like to Know: 10 Questions for Nate Washington

Changing teams is a common occurrence in the NFL. Contracts end, disputes occur, systems change, and someone is always on the outside looking in.

Through trade or free agency, teams find what they are looking for, and players get another shot at glory, albeit in a different uniform, and occasionally in front of formerly hostile fans.

This can't be an easy transition; thousands of college players every year wait anxiously to see if they are going to get their shot at the big time, and when they get there they hope to make an impact for the team that gave them their chance.

Alas, this is not always the case. The annals of football history are riddled with guys who played a couple of years and didn't amount to much of anything.

There are also players who didn't mesh with the system they were put in, and their performance was so bad there that no one else would take the risk of playing them.

Still others show up with potential, but are overshadowed by veterans who have made the system their own.

Such is the case with Nate Washington.

Nate came to Tennessee after spending four years—and winning two Super Bowl rings—with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, Washington spent the majority of his time in Pittsburgh backing up Hines Ward, who is viewed by some as the most complete receiver in the game today.

Now he's a five-year veteran, a Super Bowl Champion, and has the potential of not only starting, but taking the Titans' passing game to the next level.

Wouldn't you like to know what Nate thinks about all this? So would I. 

The Interview

Okay, it isn't REALLY an interview, just my idea of what should be asked IN THE EVENT there ever was an interview conducted by yours truly.

In no particular order, here are the ten things I would most like to get Nate's views on:

1. The Titans and Steelers open the season in Pittsburgh. Is this an opportunity to vindicate the Titans choice, or show the Steelers what they had all along but didn't utilize?

2. The last time you played, it was in a Pittsburgh uniform in the Super Bowl. How do you expect this to affect your play in this game?

3. Realistically, what do you expect to provide the Titans that they don't already have in the receiving corps?

4. You went from a team that has won six Super Bowls—two on  your watch—to a team that has only made it once, but never won. Are you the guy who takes them to the next level?

5. You've caught passes from Kerry Collins and Ben Roethlisberger: who throws the better ball?

6. The Titans drafted Kenny Britt, picked you up in free agency, and now they are talking to Drew Bennett. They are obviously looking to build their passing game. Does this concern you about the amount of playing time you are likely to get?

7. What was your first impression of Coach Fisher?

8. The Steelers have always had an emphasis on a hard-nosed running game supported by a minimal passing game. In Tennessee it looks like they are moving in the opposite direction. Is this something that will take you some time to adjust to, or does that fit your style of play a bit more?

9. Everyone has an opinion on Vince Young's future—what is yours? Future starter, or perennial backup?

10. Who's got better BBQ? Boomerang BBQ on 27th and Penn, or Jack's BBQ on Lower Broadway?

And there you have it, folks. 10 things I'd like to know about Nate Washington. If I missed something you'd like to know, drop me a line. I'll try to work it in there somewhere.