Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore is at ease and "glad to be out there."
It took just over a month, but Marshon Lattimore finally made his debut for the Washington Commanders in their narrow 20-19 victory against the New Orleans Saints. The highly anticipated return saw the star cornerback face his former team, adding an undeniable personal element to the matchup.
Before kickoff, Lattimore didn’t shy away from acknowledging that the game carried added weight for him. Having been traded from New Orleans, he felt motivated to prove his value and demonstrate to the Saints why letting him go might have been a mistake. However, the Saints’ game plan made it clear they hadn’t underestimated his talent. Instead of testing him repeatedly, New Orleans largely avoided challenging Lattimore’s side of the field, showcasing their awareness of his abilities.
“It felt great to finally get back out there,” Lattimore said after the game. “I didn’t see much action come my way, but just being on the field with my new teammates was a great feeling.”
Given the emotional stakes, it would have been easy for Lattimore to press too hard, trying to make a statement with flashy plays. Instead, he focused on staying composed and letting his game speak for itself.
“I tried to stay calm. I didn’t want to get too hyped because when you get too amped up, it can mess with you physically. The adrenaline rush can make your legs feel heavy,” Lattimore explained. “So, I just stayed focused and did my job.”
This disciplined mindset has long been a hallmark of Lattimore’s play style, and it’s something Saints fans know well. His ability to dominate a game without accumulating flashy stats is part of what makes him one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. For some Commanders fans watching his debut, though, it may have been easy to overlook his impact, as his name wasn’t frequently called during the game.
While fans might have been hoping for interceptions or highlight-reel moments, Lattimore’s contribution came in the form of shutting down an entire side of the field. By doing so, he effectively forced the Saints’ offense to look elsewhere, making his presence felt without needing to make any highlight plays.
The Saints’ strategy of avoiding Lattimore wasn’t surprising, especially given his history with the team. On the field, Lattimore looked right at home with his new squad, blending seamlessly into the Commanders’ defensive scheme. Postgame, the cornerback shared that he felt comfortable in his debut, and he appreciated how his teammates and coaches helped make the transition smooth.
As for the Saints, their reluctance to throw in his direction confirmed what Washington likely already knew—they had acquired a game-changing player. The challenge now shifts to Philadelphia in Week 16, where the Eagles are sure to put Lattimore’s skills to the test.
Reflecting on his first game back in action and his first visit to the Caesars Superdome as an opponent, Lattimore was optimistic and forward-focused. “It feels great,” he said with a smile. “It’s the best feeling. But now, it’s on to the next.”
For Commanders fans, Lattimore’s debut was a glimpse of what he brings to the table: a steady, shutdown presence that elevates the defense. Even without gaudy stats, his performance was a clear win for Washington, as they look to build momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
Stay connected with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for ongoing coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.
