The rivalry between Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans needs no introduction. They aren't friends. They aren't even acquaintances. They are bitter enemies and fierce rivals with no love for each other whatsoever.
There are countless examples of their strained relationship during countless battles in the NFC South. Lattimore was the elite shutdown cornerback. Evans was one of the league's most underrated and consistent pass-catchers. It was a recipe for fireworks that never disappointed fans watching on.
When the Washington Commanders acquired Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints, this rivalry went to the back of everyone's mind. The cornerback was embarking on a fresh challenge with a team on the up. Evans probably wasn't shedding any tears regarding his departure from the division, especially considering how well the four-time Pro Bowler tended to fare against the wideout more often than not.
However, as fate would have it, their paths would cross again much sooner than expected.
The Commanders' memorable campaign saw them win 12 games and book their place in the postseason as the NFC's sixth seed. Not to be outdone, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on an exceptional run down the stretch to retain the NFC South.
Their reward? A home tie with the Commanders at Raymond James Stadium.
Lattimore versus Evans was back in the limelight. And there was no way the former first-round pick out of Ohio State was going to miss it.
Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore came off second best against Mike Evans
The hamstring issue that restricted Lattimore to just two regular-season games after the trade was good to go. He knows how important this clash is and what it could mean to Washington if he got the upper hand. If he could get into Evans' head and put the wideout off his game, the better the Commanders' chances would be.
All eyes were on Lattimore. It came as no surprise to see the former first-round pick out of Ohio State to seek out Evans. And it didn't take long for the fireworks to begin.
The Buccaneers targeted Lattimore early as expected. Baker Mayfield wanted to see how healthy the defensive back was after missing so much time since his big move to Washington. This was a good decision — one that saw Evans gain some early momentum over the first half.
Lattimore didn't look comfortable. He came out for a short period after the opening drive, which wasn't ideal. When he came back into the game, the Buccaneers wasted no time looking in Evans' direction.
This paid off, especially on their final drive of the first half. Mayfield connected with Evans on a nice completion over Lattimore, who was then called for defensive pass interference in the end zone to further raise frustrations.
If that wasn't enough, Mayfield connected with Evans on a short touchdown throw with Lattimore in coverage. It left the cornerback with a mountain to climb in no uncertain terms.
FIRE THE CANNONS 💣💥
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 13, 2025
📺: #WASvsTB on NBC pic.twitter.com/MgreDmaIk6
This wasn't what the Commanders or Lattimore had in mind. He's nowhere near 100 percent and it showed. Fortunately, the offense looked much better to keep the score tied heading into the interval.