The Washington Commanders made a big splash just before the trade deadline by acquiring veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
The move was seen as a bold step in Washington’s push for the NFC East title this season, adding a proven playmaker to an already impressive defense. However, as the team heads into Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season, Lattimore has yet to suit up for the Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn recently provided an update on why the former Pro Bowl cornerback hasn’t seen action with his new team yet, and it all comes down to one key factor: speed.
The Commanders are, without a doubt, one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season. After a tumultuous start in the offseason—when many experts weren’t sure how the team would gel with a new quarterback, rookie Jayden Daniels, and a new coaching staff—Washington has exceeded expectations. Ten weeks into the season, the Commanders are firmly in the playoff hunt, and their defense has been a major factor in their success.
Dan Quinn, who took over as the team’s head coach, has proven to be a major catalyst for the Commanders’ early success. His ability to quickly get the best out of his players and build a highly competitive roster has put Washington in contention for the NFC East crown. But even with a strong start to the season, the Commanders know they need to continue to improve, especially on defense, to keep pace with the top teams in the NFC.
That’s where Marshon Lattimore comes into the picture. The Commanders made the trade for Lattimore as a way to bolster their secondary and add a proven veteran presence to their defense. Lattimore, who spent his entire career with the Saints, was seen as a potential game-changer for Washington, bringing leadership, physicality, and top-tier coverage ability. However, despite the excitement surrounding the trade, the cornerback has yet to take the field for his new team.
In a recent press conference, Quinn explained why Lattimore hasn’t played yet, revealing that the decision has to do with the veteran cornerback’s ability to quickly regain his full speed. “With him, really, it’s the speed part that we have to see to make sure he can really do his thing,” Quinn said, according to a team transcript. “But this is a bright guy. He’s played a lot of football and so the ability to transfer over that technique is now called this, that call is now this. He was able to pick up on that quickly.”
Quinn’s comments shed light on the team’s cautious approach to integrating Lattimore into the lineup. While Lattimore has shown the ability to quickly absorb Washington’s defensive scheme and terminology, the coaching staff is still waiting to see if he can regain his peak physical condition, especially in terms of speed. The Commanders want to make sure Lattimore is fully ready to contribute at a high level before placing him in a game situation.
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The trade for Lattimore came just before the deadline when the Saints were looking to offload veteran players in a rebuilding effort. Washington, eager to improve its defense, seized the opportunity to acquire a player with Lattimore’s pedigree. However, since arriving in Washington, Lattimore has had to adjust to a new defensive scheme and terminology. Although he’s been able to pick up the system quickly, the Commanders are not willing to rush him back onto the field until they feel confident that he is physically prepared to play at the level required for a championship-caliber team.
Despite the delay, the Commanders remain optimistic about Lattimore’s future with the team. Washington’s defense has been playing at a high level, but adding a player of Lattimore’s caliber could make them even more formidable as the season progresses. The team is currently in the hunt for the NFC East title, and with a strong defensive unit, adding a healthy, dynamic cornerback could be the difference-maker.
As for Lattimore’s contract, the Commanders are on the hook for the remainder of his deal, which includes a significant financial commitment. However, Washington has some flexibility. If things don’t work out with Lattimore, the team could release him at the end of the season without incurring a dead cap hit, giving them financial freedom moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Commanders’ decision on whether to activate Lattimore could come down to how he performs in practice and how ready he looks physically as the team prepares for their Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With a critical game on the horizon, the coaching staff will likely make the final call based on Lattimore’s performance in the lead-up to the game.
The Commanders are in an exciting position, and with the right moves, they could make a serious playoff push. Marshon Lattimore’s eventual debut for Washington could provide a significant boost to their already talented defense, but only if he can get back to full speed and prove he’s ready for action. The team’s cautious approach reflects their larger goals this season—they want to make sure every move they make puts them in the best position to succeed.
For now, the Commanders’ defense continues to perform at a high level, and fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when Lattimore finally takes the field for his new team. It’s clear that Washington is positioning itself for a deep playoff run, and Lattimore could be a key piece of that puzzle. But for now, the team is playing the long game, making sure that when Lattimore does take the field, he’ll be ready to make an immediate impact.
As the season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Lattimore to see when he will finally suit up and if he can live up to the hype. With a strong defense already in place, adding Lattimore to the mix could be exactly what the Commanders need to make a serious run at the NFC East title.
