It's been a tale of two games for Marshon Lattimore to begin the 2025 campaign. The Washington Commanders' cornerback looked back to his old self in Week 1 against the New York Giants. This was swiftly followed by a disastrous outing in defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers knew how to weaken Lattimore. He struggled to keep up with Green Bay's explosive receivers, both downfield and in motion pre-snap. The penalties were frustrating, and everything just seemed off. He wasn't alone in that regard, but the four-time Pro Bowler is held to a higher standard.
Washington invested a lot in Lattimore. They've got almost no return to date. Unless consistency rises in the coming weeks, a situation could emerge where the Commanders cut their losses via trade or release next year.
Commanders need more than excuses from Marshon Lattimore moving forward
Instead of taking accountability, Lattimore was quick to criticize the officiating. He felt they didn't do enough to keep the game flowing, missing several important calls. The Ohio State product was despondent, but he's experienced enough to shake it off.
"No, they were not [penalties]. And they missed one on the deep ball when he pushed off. Go look at the film. There’s no way he read that much separation if I’m right there. They missed calls, they called calls that weren’t supposed to be calls. I don’t really think it was fair. It is what it is. Live to fight another day."Marshon Lattimore via Pro Football Talk
Excuses are wearing thin, in all honesty. Lattimore is entering dangerous territory, and the NFL is watching.
This is a player who was considered among the league's best shutdown presences just a short time ago. Injuries have taken their toll, and it's clear Lattimore has lost a step against speedier wideouts around the league. It's nothing to overly concern just yet, but it won't take long for others to follow Green Bay's blueprint in pursuit of exposing his weaknesses.
Lattimore has never been one to back down from a challenge. His mentality and aggressive demeanor can be a gift or a curse. Harnessing this effectively remains the goal, but the defensive back should expect to be tested similarly to how Matt LaFleur strategized things on Thursday Night Football.
As previously stated, he's not the only one failing to meet expectations. Mike Sainristil is finding life difficult. The safeties haven't hit the ground running as expected. Frankie Luvu has been a no-show, and the lack of legitimate edge threats only got worse with Deatrich Wise Jr.'s season-ending quad complication.
That makes Lattimore's influence all the more important. Locking down Jakobi Meyers and Dont'e Thornton Jr. this weekend when the Las Vegas Raiders come to town would be a good place to start.