Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore don't exactly come across as best buddies. Whatever respect lies with the pair is way beneath the surface. They've been bitter enemies for years and it almost always boils over.
This mouth-watering clash between Lattimore and Evans is coming around again much sooner than anticipated. The Washington Commanders head to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for what promises to be a pulsating Wild Card round clash on the Sunday Night Football primetime stage. And all eyes will be on the shutdown cornerback and future Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver from the moment the first whistle blows.
Lattimore is all systems go for the contest after recovering well enough from a frustrating hamstring complication. Evans also dealt with injury problems earlier in the campaign, but he hit the ground running upon his return to extend his remarkable 1,000-yard receiving record since entering the league.
Other factors will play a role in which of the two teams comes out on top. But considering how well Lattimore has typically done against Evans throughout his career, the Commanders should be confident he can be competitive despite not being at 100 percent.
Mike Evans looking for improved discipline versus Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore
The four-time Pro Bowler isn't one to back down from a fight. Lattimore will look for the wide receiver early and aim to make a significant statement of intent. As for Evans? He knows nothing but maximum effort and supreme conviction will do.
"We’ve got to be disciplined. They’re a better team than we played in Week 1, and we’ve got to come disciplined. I’ve just got to be at my best. I’ve got to give my best, because he’s a really good player. Obviously, we’ve had a lot of really good matchups. I look forward to the matchup."Mike Evans via Tampa Bay Times
Evans' rallying cry around being disciplined is interesting. The veteran has admitted to doing a bad job of controlling his emotions against Lattimore during their past meetings. The Ohio State product knows how to get in his head and use it to his advantage. Doing the same again is only going to help Washington's cause.
Often when things like this get hyped up, the reality rarely matches. That's not the case with Lattimore and Evans, whose fiery competitiveness and elite-level performance levels are the perfect combination to guarantee fireworks.
Keeping calm in the glaring pressure of the postseason will be the deciding factor. Lattimore has the slight edge looking at how things have unfolded with this matchup previously. But there's no doubt veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield will want to test his hamstring right out of the gate to see how it holds up.
The Commanders wouldn't be putting Lattimore out on the field if they didn't think he could make a lasting contribution. He's ready for the inevitable war with Evans and everything that comes with it. His presence on the field completely changes everything for Washington's defense. Hopefully, it'll have the desired effect.
Evans is ready. Lattimore is ready. The blue touch paper is about to be lit.