Marshon Lattimore secures one interception
Marshon Lattimore deserves credit for giving it a go in the Wild Card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The cornerback wasn't going to miss the chance to lock horns again with wide receiver Mike Evans, but his hamstring issue troubled him throughout.
The Commanders had to switch things up with Lattimore. They gave him help and even took him off Evans entirely in the first half. This restricted the pass-catcher's influence and gave rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a chance to mount another incredible fightback.
Lattimore is among the league's best shutdown cornerbacks when healthy. He doesn't look that right now, but another week of rest and full practice involvement might serve him well at the Detroit Lions.
The four-time Pro Bowler's struggles last time out won't go unnoticed by the Lions during their planning. Ben Johnson is a master of exploiting weaknesses. Unless Lattimore steps things up, expect Detroit to target him frequently.
This could work to Washington's advantage if Lattimore raises performance levels. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State is highly competitive and won't want last weekend's subpar performance to become an ongoing trend. Locking down his side of the field versus Detroit's high-octane offense is a good place to start.
If Lattimore can also help himself to a turnover along the way, the better Washington's chances will be.
Dyami Brown gains 70+ receiving yards, one TD
Dyami Brown's come to the fore at the perfect time. The wide receiver spent most of the 2024 campaign way down the depth chart waiting for his chance. When Noah Brown went to injured reserve, his moment arrived.
Brown's athletic attributes were never in question. He's got the speed to stretch the field and has enough functional strength to get away from press coverage easily when in the mood. A little extra motivation with his prospects hanging by a thread was all he needed to turn the tide.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury credited Brown for improving his professionalism and working hard to become a better route technician during his latest media availability. It took time, but the light is starting to come on.
The former third-round pick is coming off the best performance of his professional career at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing in all five of his targets for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown. Brown is earning the trust of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and improving his chances of an extended stay beyond 2024 for good measure.
If Brown can produce similar numbers against a vulnerable-looking Detroit Lions secondary, the Commanders can keep the scoreboard ticking over enough to be competitive. It will also cement his future in Washington next season.