In November, the Washington Commanders acquired Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints to improve their secondary. The four-time Pro Bowler came with a big reputation but has played just two of the eight games for the Commanders since the trade.
The star cornerback was dealing with a hamstring injury but was cleared in time for the playoffs. During Wild Card Weekend, he will face his archrival, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, and many fans are looking forward to the matchup.
Fans React to Highly-Anticipated Matchup Between Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans
Evans and Lattimore had many iconic NFC South battles whenever the Saints played against the Buccaneers. They have fought on multiple occasions (earning ejections and suspensions) and have entertained the fans over the years.
Fans on social media weren’t surprised to see Lattimore recovering from his injury in time to go against Evans. Here are some of the reactions to the news of the cornerback getting cleared to play in the Wild Card Round:
Marshon Lattimore vs Mike Evans
Playoff Edition 🍿 pic.twitter.com/vUlRlMyUSh
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS (@TheDegenDoc) January 10, 2025
“Mike Evans gonna cook him,” said a fan.
“It’s about to be a train wreck between Lattimore and Evans,” added another fan.
We get Mike Evans vs Marshon Lattimore again! pic.twitter.com/Drj1nK6IsL
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) January 10, 2025
“The power of hate always wins. Don’t run one three,” said a Commanders fan, referring to Evans’ No. 13 jersey.
“Real hate continues, I respect it,” wrote another fan.
Marshon soon as he step on that field. https://t.co/Cnfg9n9JTD pic.twitter.com/44YX245klh
— Mr. 4.1 Forty (@Piano_Jay) January 10, 2025
The Buccaneers pulled off an upset win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round last year, but they are the favorites to win this time around. The Commanders come into this game with nothing to lose, as they have already exceeded all expectations. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led them to a 12-5 record and is the favorite to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Both teams allowed more than 22.5 points per game in the regular season, so it should be a high-scoring matchup. The two teams played each other in Week 1 of this season, and the Buccaneers came away with a 37-20 win. Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns in that game, while Evans scored two touchdowns.
However, unlike in Week 1, Daniels now has experience playing in the league and is ready for the first playoff game of his career. Also, the Commanders are hoping that Lattimore’s presence will give their secondary a boost.
A Look at Evans’ Stats in Games vs. Lattimore
Evans and Lattimore have played 11 games against each other. In those 11 games, the 31-year-old wideout has recorded over 50 receiving yards in only one game.
Lattimore has also limited Evans to 15 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets. The Buccaneers star has averaged 1.4 receptions and 27.8 receiving yards per game against the 28-year-old cornerback in his career.
The two played against each other in Week 6, and Evans finished the game with two receptions for 34 yards on six targets. The star wide receiver tied the NFL for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with 11, but he will have his work cut out for him on Sunday against the Commanders.
With Chris Godwin injured, Evans will be Mayfield’s primary weapon against the Commanders. However, Jalen McMillan has stepped up over the second half of the season and Tampa Bay will continue to rely on him as well.
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Since Week 12, Evans leads the NFL in receiving yards (669), while McMillan is tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns (seven).
Even with Lattimore on the field, the duo of Evans and McMillan will be tough to contain with a trip to the Divisional Round on the line.