Nate Washington doesn't mind being the underdog.
In fact, he embraces it.
"I've always had the underdog role and I appreciate it," Washington said. "It makes your drive and makes your motivation a little harder than what it would normally be. I'm not saying that's all the motivation that I need but, to be an underdog and to be overlooked at times, I think it gives me a little bit of extra motivation to go out and make something of myself."
The veteran wide receiver caught six passes for 105 yards last week against the Chiefs. Washington became the first Texan in franchise history to post a 100-yard receiving game in his debut with the Texans.
Washington, now in his 11th NFL season, has learned a lot from his time in the league. It may be the reason why his fellow wide receivers have nicknamed him "O.G." He isn't worried about filling the shoes of Andre Johnson or anyone else for that matter.
"I'm here to do my job," Washington said. "I'm not here to compare myself to anyone."
He also isn't distracted by who is under center. Washington, steady as ever, quietly goes about his job and is making plays. He's a pro who works hard in practice and is very knowledgeable in his understanding of the personnel, according to offensive coordinator George Godsey. In the season opener, Washington averaged 17.5 yards per catch.
"We are given assignments and we are expected to do our assignments," Washington said. "So, at the end of the day, I'll be able to go out and do whatever Coach George Godsey and Coach O'Brien ask me to do. I think this system is a really good system and it gives everybody an opportunity to make plays and the quarterback, whoever that may be, will have his job. I think at the end of the day, all I can do is worry about myself."
The (0-1) Texans travel to Carolina in Week 2 to take on the (1-0) Panthers. Kickoff is Sunday at noon on CBS KHOU-11 and SportsRadio 610.
