There is no love lost between Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans. This became one of the league's most notorious cornerback-wide receiver rivalries during their battles in the NFC South. Their latest encounter came in the playoffs with the primetime spotlight burning brightly.
Lattimore was a marquee addition to the Washington Commanders via trade from the New Orleans Saints before the deadline. Evans was probably glad to see the back of him. Little did the wideout know that they would lock horns again in the highest stakes imaginable.
The Commanders had just two games to savor Lattimore during the regular season. His hamstring issue proved troublesome to overcome. There was no way the four-time Pro Bowler was going to miss the chance to collide with Evans again, even if the issue wasn't 100 percent healed.
This was a win-or-go-home environment. The Commanders did remarkably well to secure postseason football in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. They weren't content with being a feel-good story. They wanted to maximize the significant opportunity their hard work warranted throughout the campaign. Lattimore's presence on the field was essential.
All eyes were on Lattimore, who didn't carry an injury designation into the Wild Card round game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State wasted no time in making a statement even before a competitive down was played.
Marshon Lattimore makes statement with attire before Mike Evans clash
Lattimore was filmed walking into the stadium with a message that was loud and clear on his overshirt. In particular, the words 'be careful what you wish for' were a not-so-subtle message in Evans' direction heading into the clash.
#Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore arrives in Tampa Bay in a shirt that says “Be Careful What You Wish For”
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 12, 2025
🔥🔥🔥
(via:@JPFinlayNBCS) pic.twitter.com/P0GmaRDWrN
There is nobody who knows how best to get under Evans' skin than Lattimore. The cornerback enjoyed tremendous success versus the future Pro Football Hall of Famer in New Orleans. He's fiery, won't ever back down, and is always talking.
Evans has never had someone step up to him like Lattimore has. It's rattled him on countless occasions, even leading to two suspensions for cheap shots after the whistle. If the defensive back can provoke this sort of reaction from him again, the better Washington's chances will be.
Let battle commence. And the Commanders will be hoping Lattimore's accomplished production, elite-level skill set, and competitive fire can ensure he gets the upper hand over one of the league's most consistent receivers.
If the hype was high before, Lattimore's statement attire raised it through the roof.
