"With the Commanders further ahead in Year 1 of their rebuild than even the brightest optimist envisaged, general manager Adam Peters made a bold move to acquire Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 deadline. The compensation was steep, but the front-office leader thought this would provide Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense with the shutdown presence it needed in the secondary."
"Lattimore wasn't healthy upon joining the Commanders. He missed all but two games in the regular season and was a shell of his old self when on the field. Peters gave him the benefit of the doubt, hoping that a full offseason to heal and pick up the defensive scheme would have the desired effect. The former Ohio State standout looked explosive and athletic throughout the summer."
"Instead of being a lockdown corner, Lattimore is perceived as a weak link that opposing offenses target. It's been a recipe for success, too, which reared its ugly head once again during the player's latest disastrous outing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Whether it was giving up big completions in key moments or infuriating defensive pass interference penalties, Lattimore just wasn't up to the required standard."
Washington traded significant compensation to acquire Marshon Lattimore hoping for a shutdown corner to bolster Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. Lattimore arrived injured, missed most of the regular season, and returned as a diminished player. A productive offseason raised expectations, but regular-season play exposed reduced burst, poor anticipation, and consistent downfield breakdowns. Opposing offenses now target Lattimore, and penalties and blown plays have compounded the problem. A disastrous Week 7 performance against the Dallas Cowboys and a comical collision with safety Quan Martin exemplified the ongoing issues. The acquisition has materially weakened the Commanders' secondary and requires corrective action.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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