There aren't many cornerbacks around the league that strike genuine fear into opposing offenses. The sort of players that teams actively turn away from. That's exactly what the Washington Commanders have in Marshon Lattimore.
After spending the last few weeks recovering from a hamstring injury, Lattimore made his long-awaited debut for the Commanders in Week 15. It was also against the New Orleans Saints, the team that traded him away before the 2024 deadline.
Lattimore was highly motivated to prove them wrong. Many wondered how much the four-time Pro Bowler would feature considering he'd been out of action since Week 8. It didn't take long to figure out he was going to get a hefty workload from head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
The former first-round pick played 96 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Lattimore's 53 reps represented a huge step in the right direction. His influence was as advertised, locking down one side of the field and making New Orleans go elsewhere in pursuit of moving the chains.
Marshon Lattimore's debut was worth the wait for Commanders fans
No team knew more about the damage Lattimore can do than the Saints. Not a single target was thrown in his direction during the contest. This doesn't show up on the stat sheet, but it proves the Ohio State product is a silent assassin who's already making opposing offenses think differently.
That won't be the case in every game Washington plays. However, it's been a long time since the Commanders had a cornerback with this aura.
Lattimore brings a fear factor through elite-level production and a mindset that doesn't back down from anyone. Having this luxury to call upon at such a late stage in the season is something Washington must capitalize on in its quest for the postseason.
This is a positive start from Lattimore. It was light work for the player upon his return to a competitive regular-season setting. However, things could get much tougher this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lattimore can expect to be matched up against A.J. Brown frequently. He's a physically imposing wide receiver whose dominant production has caused untold complications for the Commanders in recent years. It's also among the reasons why general manager Adam Peters got aggressive in acquiring a shutdown force.
Taking on Brown and DeVonta Smith is a challenge Lattimore will relish. Looking at second-round rookie Mike Sainristil's impressive performances of late and Noah Igbinoghene's improved production from the slot, the Commanders seem in a much stronger position to counteract Philadelphia's threat in the passing game.
Considering these two division rivals could also meet in the postseason, proving they are not a walkover is imperative for the Commanders in Week 16. Lattimore will be at the heart of that if the player's competitive fire throughout his career is any indication.
Others must also meet their end of the bargain. That said, fans can relax safe in the knowledge they have a legitimate No. 1 cornerback to depend upon moving forward.
It took a while for Lattimore to introduce himself to Washington's faithful. He was worth the wait.