The Washington Commanders are riding high right now. Dan Quinn and Adam Peters have masterminded a remarkable turnaround for this franchise. They've gone from a perennial bottom feeder and a national disgrace to a team capable of potentially winning the NFC East in the blink of an eye.
With changing times come changing expectations. Peters knew that there was an opportunity. Going all-in was not an option. Adding a valuable performer with proven production before the trade deadline was an ambitious yet attainable objective following a 7-2 start.
Peters managed to accomplish this by striking a deal with the New Orleans Saints for stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore. This was a bombshell in no uncertain terms. It also officially opened the Commanders' Super Bowl window along the way.
Moves like this don't get made unless there is confidence within the building. The need to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract cannot be overstated. This might not be the piece to get them over the hump to a Vince Lombardi Trophy, but it'll help considerably.
Commanders have a shot at postseason success with Marshon Lattimore
This was a sentiment echoed by Jordan Dajani from CBS Sports. The analyst thought a fresh change of scenery for Lattimore working alongside Quinn within an ambitious locker room is a win-win for all parties. Something that could potentially see Washington enter playoff contention much sooner than most envisaged.
No one expected Washington to be sitting at 7-2 entering Week 10, and it's because of the impact [Jayden] Daniels has had on the offense. However, the Commanders don't boast an elite defense, which is why Washington brought in an established, veteran cornerback who can be a leader on that side of the ball. Plus, I think it's very possible [Marshon] Lattimore himself could benefit from this change of scenery, working with Dan Quinn in a locker room with good energy.Jordan Dajani, CBS Sports
Peters has been around winning franchises. He knows how to evaluate thoroughly, examine what more might be needed, and adapt to changing circumstances. This is his first significant splash. If the Commanders continue their exceptional run of results under Quinn's guidance, it won't be his last.
It's getting harder to temper expectations among the fanbase. The region is on fire thanks to the Commanders' incredible renaissance. Energy and excitement are evident before every game. With Daniels under center, this long-suffering group of supporters always believes they have a chance.
Now, the Commanders have a shutdown cornerback to depend upon. Lattimore enjoys taking on the challenge of covering the league's best wideouts. He thrives in man coverage and brings the sort of never-back-down mindset that is sure to inspire others within the secondary to raise their respective contributions.
Lattimore is only 28 years old, so this also represents an investment for the future. The next three years are crucial for the Commanders before Daniels becomes extension-eligible. Looking at how the No. 2 pick has performed to date, his contract could shatter records in Washington and league-wide if things continue on their current trajectory.
Peters knows this. That's why opening the team's Super Bowl window by trading for Lattimore was a calculated risk worth taking.
