Nobody needs to tell Marshon Lattimore that things didn't go according to plan following his trade to the Washington Commanders. But the veteran cornerback is working tirelessly to turn the tide this time around.
And fans will love Lattimore's bullish outlook not only for his improvements, but also for the overall impact Washington's cornerback room could make in 2025.
Big things were expected from Lattimore after the Commanders secured his services from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 trade deadline. Unfortunately for the player and the franchise, he never shook off a frustrating hamstring injury enough to make a consistent contribution.
Everything looks different now.
Marshon Lattimore is bullish about Commanders' secondary hopes in 2025
Lattimore got the necessary time to fully heal this offseason. He showed up to mandatory minicamp looking like a different player. The sharpness, athleticism, and elite-level technique returned. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State is also focused on proving people wrong, which is always the best motivational tool.
This trend is continuing at training camp. Lattimore and his teammates in the cornerback group are dominating. And the four-time Pro Bowler issued a warning that this is a sign of things to come when competitive action commences.
I like how the defense looking. I like how the young guys looking. Everything's coming together right now, we've just gotta stack the days. I told you all from the beginning, I feel good. I feel like myself, and I can only get better. We're competitive. I feel like we've got all dogs from top to bottom. That's what I want to be a part of, and that's the culture we're creating. I'm a dog, so I've just got to show that and display that. I ain't really worried about last year. I know what was going on, but now I'm healthy, I'm ready for whatever comes my way.Marshon Lattimore via 7News DC
There are concerns about the Commanders' defensive front, although they were eased slightly by Von Miller's arrival. But if the secondary can set the tone and emerge into one of the league's best groups, that's going to make things easier for everybody.
Lattimore will spearhead the renaissance. He's a four-time Pro Bowler who was among the league's most prolific shutdown presences once upon a time. He's keen to remind the NFL world why.
If Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, Noah Igbinoghene, and second-round rookie Trey Amos meet their end of the bargain, Washington's cornerback potential is limitless. There will also be analysts eating a large slice of humble pie where Lattimore is concerned for good measure.
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