If there was any doubt as to why the Washington Commanders pulled off a daring trade for Marshon Lattimore before the deadline, Week 10's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers removed it entirely.
The Commanders feel like they can achieve something much sooner than expected. General manager Adam Peters reacted accordingly to secure the services of Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback who also represents a future investment given he's still just 28 years old.
Lattimore's hamstring injury prevented him from suiting up against the Steelers at Northwest Stadium. It shouldn't be too much longer before he's ready to participate, so all eyes will be on the former first-round pick leading up to Washington's trip to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.
Commanders need Marshon Lattimore in the lineup quickly
The sooner Lattimore is healthy and ready to contribute, the better.
Washington's secondary was once again exposed en route to the team's third loss of the campaign. George Pickens had his way with anyone he came up against in coverage despite Mike Sainristil putting up a fight. Benjamin St-Juste lacks discipline and once again gave up a crucial touchdown by letting Mike Williams breeze past untouched for his debut score at the death.
The Commanders have gotten away with these failings against inferior opposition. They won't be so lucky in the face of potential contenders like the Steelers.
That's where Lattimore comes in. He's a shutdown presence capable of shadowing the opposition's best wide receiver or one side of the field. This is something head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. don't possess with their current options.
Lattimore excels in man coverage. His accomplishments are vast and impressive in equal measure. The Commanders had to give up third, fourth, and sixth-round picks in exchange for the Ohio State product and a fifth-rounder. However, it was the right call to make.
Week 10 proved that in no uncertain terms.
Whether Lattimore will be able to play a part versus the Eagles in a crunch divisional road clash is debatable. His presence would be a significant asset against wide receiver A.J. Brown, who's had his way with Washington's secondary in recent years. But even if he can go, it's unlikely to be a full workload.
The defensive back hasn't been seen since New Orleans' loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. Many thought Lattimore's absence was to preserve his trade value, but the fact he also missed Sunday's contest indicates there might be more to it.
Either way, the lackluster cornerback production in Week 10 already vindicates Peters' decision to make the most aggressive move of his time in charge.
Lattimore brings something different. He plays with an edge and doesn't back down from any challenge. This is going to be crucial at the business end of the campaign with the Commanders fighting for postseason involvement.
It doesn't change the fact others in the cornerback room are vulnerable to conceding big plays or having technical flaws exposed. However, boasting someone with Lattimore's experience and proven production on the biggest stages can only be a good thing.
Just when that'll be is the big question nobody outside of a select few knows the answer to right now.
