Pittsburgh Steelers: Cornering The Market

Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Fans file into the stands to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Summoning Up Chad Scott And Dewayne Washington

Chad Scott: While Ike Taylor was a favorite among fans, the same may not be able to be repeated for Chad Scott when he was manning the defensive backfield for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1997 until he signed with the New England Patriots in 2005. Scott was better known for his inconsistent play and getting burned by opposing receivers at a more than normal rate. Many times during his seven years in the ‘Burgh, Scott heard the boo birds at Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field and perhaps so because he was drafted number one overall in 1997.

In his rookie season, playing the right corner, Scott started nine games in 13 appearances. He did manage two interceptions and made 45 tackles. The following season saw 12 starts but just one pick. In 2000 and 2001, Scott repeated his total of five interceptions, but following the 2002 season, his appearances in games began to decline. In 2003 he played and started in 12 of the 16 games.

The following year he was down to seven and seven and Bill Cowher released him following the season. For two seasons in 2005 and 2006, Scott played with the New England Patriots and started in just seven games in those two campaigns.

His numbers may say he was a better better than fans believed, but despite that, it could be that as a first-round draft choice, Scott was expected to be the next Rod Woodson and the disappointment in his play reflected in Steelers Nation’s attitude towards him.

Dewayne Washington: The Pittsburgh Steelers often don’t make big free agency splash signings, but in 1998, they found unrestricted free agent Dewayne Washington available after starting with the Minnesota Vikings at right cornerback from 1994 through 1997.

A first round pick in 1994 with the 18^th overall pick, the North Carolina State University product immediately became a starter with the Vikes in his rookie campaign. During his first season in the NFL, Washington played outstanding picking off three passes and returning two for scores for a total of 135 yards on returns of those three picks. He also made 68 tackles and had two fumble recoveries.

Dewayne Washington would start in every game for the Vikings from 1996 through 1997. Once arriving in Pittsburgh, he was tabbed a starter at the right corner spot and played in every game his first year wearing the Black and Gold. With five interceptions, the Steelers had found a solid corner for their secondary.

But just as what had happened with Chad Scott began to take place with Washington. His play became inconsistent and in his final season with the Steelers (2003), Washington started in only 12 of the 16 games he appeared in. With just five interceptions in his final three years in Pittsburgh, he was released and signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Many ex-Steelers made an exodus to sunny Florida once they were done in Pittsburgh and Washington was no exception.

He lasted just one season with the Jags starting in all 16 games but making just two interceptions. With just a one-year deal in Jacksonville, Washington played one final season in Kansas City starting in just one game before he retired. As a Steeler, Dewayne Washington started in 92 of 96 games played and picked off 19 passes, two of them for touchdowns. These days he is head football coach at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, North Carolina, the state from where he was born and raised.

Next: Recollecting Dean Derby, Bryant McFadden, and Willie Williams