Washington Commanders fans now have a good idea of what Marshon Lattimore is.
One week, you're going to get an accomplished performance that reminds people why he was considered one of the league's most prolific shutdown cornerbacks once upon a time. Next, it will be a largely forgettable outing that leaves more questions than answers.
There is a sufficiently large sample size to suggest that this won't change. The Commanders were probably expecting more from the four-time Pro Bowler after his trade to the franchise before the 2024 deadline. A hamstring injury prevented him from making an immediate impact, and the same inconsistencies have reared their head over the opening month of the campaign.
Marshon Lattimore's inconsistencies show no signs of slowing down
This becomes more glaring when Lattimore is faced with some of the younger, more explosive receivers around the league. That proved true once again in Week 4, with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London giving the veteran all sorts of problems with his unique blend of size, speed, and effective route running.
Lattimore looked a yard off the pace whenever he went up against London. He was burned on a double-move that eventually went for a significant gain following a sensational throw by Michael Penix Jr. Not even one of his defensive holding penalties could prevent the completion.
The Falcons were testing the former Ohio State standout, and they got a lot of success more often than not.
This is the rollercoaster typically associated with Lattimore at the moment. He's gone from ultra-dependable to a feast or famine defensive back. Riding the rough with the smooth is key, but the Commanders need him to step up more consistently than he's managed to start the season.
It's something to monitor. Nobody in the building seems overly concerned, but there is no doubt that Adam Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments. The general manager has no problem making changes if he believes they are required. And he doesn't care about previous accomplishments or statuses.
Lattimore isn't in danger of losing his spot. The Commanders made too big an investment in the player not to ride it out. At the same time, it might be worth Peters forming some contingency plans if the same trend continues.
The time for half measures is long gone. And make no mistake, Lattimore's bad moments cannot outweigh his good ones for much longer.