One of the major storylines from the Washington Commanders' 20-19 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday was the team debut of Marshon Lattimore, facing his former team.
Lattimore's name was seldom called out on the broadcast, however -- but here's why that's a good thing.
Marshon Lattimore in yesterday's game:
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 16, 2024
53 snaps
0 targets 🔒#ProBowlVote | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/M6kLevtmwR
On 53 snaps Sunday, Lattimore's WR assignments were not even targeted once. That means that he was able to effectively shut down an entire half of the field, massively impacting the game despite registering no stats in the box score.
Throughout his career, Lattimore has been known more as a shutdown corner than a ball hawk. He only has 15 career interceptions, which seems low for a four-time Pro Bowler, but that's because quarterbacks are afraid to throw in his direction.
It would have been fitting had Lattimore come up with a highlight-reel interception or a key deflection in his return to New Orleans on Sunday, but the Saints never provided him with that opportunity. Instead, he had to settle for being a major reason New Orleans' WRs combined to catch only five passes for 96 yards.
Sometimes, the best impact to make is none at all. The fact that Lattimore was able to step into his new role and immediately play a perfect game should be the best possible news for Commanders fans.
