Dan Quinn confirms suspicion about Marshon Lattimore heading into Saints matchup
Once it became clear Marshon Lattimore wasn't playing in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, the suspicion of his debut being in Week 15 immediately arose in a sensible fashion.Dan Quinn repeatedly mentioned Lattimore's steady progress both in his recovery from the hamstring injury and learning the Washington Commanders' defensive playbook. It really sounded like […]
Once it became clear Marshon Lattimore wasn't playing in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, the suspicion of his debut being in Week 15 immediately arose in a sensible fashion.
Dan Quinn repeatedly mentioned Lattimore's steady progress both in his recovery from the hamstring injury and learning the Washington Commanders' defensive playbook. It really sounded like things were heading in the right direction when Quinn talked to reporters on Monday and then a full week of practice all but locked up the idea that Lattimore would play on Sunday.
Sure enough, Quinn confirmed exactly that on Friday when he spoke with reporters.
"It was really a culmination of the weeks and strength, the top speed work, the change of direction stuff, [and] the flexibility," Quinn said when asked about what he saw from Lattimore during the week. "And so I think I said to you guys earlier, we weren't going to miss one step and rush it with a soft tissue injury… We're just pumped to have him back, and you could feel him being back on the field, being with his guys. I imagine it was difficult to come to a new environment and then not even get to express the way you do things, by the way you play and practice.
"So there was a silver lining of the learning the system that took place, and you got to connect with his teammates, but it has been awesome."
He also confirmed Lattimore would start, as also suspected. It's a huge boost for the Commanders defense and it could really help the unit change from scrappy and underrated to very good on all fronts. Not only can he help the secondary improve, but the pass rush will benefit, too. The Commanders are currently tied for 15th with 32 sacks on the year and they're 13th in total pressure rate (23.4%).
It's perfect timing as Washington gears up for the final stretch of what has been a very fun and successful season.
