Marshon Lattimore's Return Gives Saints Defense Elite Potential

The New Orleans pass defense was very good in 2022 even without their elite corner for a chunk of the season. Marshon Lattimore's return elevates them to potentially elite status.

The New Orleans Saints ranked second against the pass defensively in 2022. They surrendered an average of just 184 yards per game through the air and just 60% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks. The Saints allowed one 300-yard passer and five 100-yard receivers all year. Only two players had over 75 yards or more against them over the final 10 games.

New Orleans was formidable against the pass despite the fact that pressure up front was inconsistent at times. Even more impressive was the fact that they shut down most receivers without one of the league's best cornerbacks for a bulk of the season.

Saints 2022 Year-In-Review 

CB - Marshon Lattimore 

Jan 1, 2023; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Most of the New Orleans defense struggled in a season-opening win at Atlanta, but Lattimore gave up just two completions for a total of seven yards. In Week 2, Lattimore showed his typical dominance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in giving up only three catches on six targets for 24 yards. Unfortunately, he also lost his composure during a third quarter fight that resulted in his ejection. 

Lattimore bounced back from that uncharacteristic mistake by allowing no catches in Week 3 against Carolina. He'd have a major letdown the following week against Minnesota, allowing 7 receptions for 94 yards on 11 targets. He played well during a Week 5 win over the Seahawks, but left the game late with an injury. 

Lattimore sustained serious injuries in the abdominal area that caused him to miss the next 10 games. He'd only missed eight games over the first five years of his career. New Orleans struggled mightily without their elite corner in the first two games without him.

Thanks to the emergence of rookie CB Alontae Taylor and return to health of second-year CB Paulson Adebo, the Saints solidified their coverage at the mid-season point. Still, the secondary would have their struggles against deeper receiving units without Lattimore. 

Seeing his first action in nearly three months, Lattimore returned in an important Week 17 contest at Philadelphia. The Eagles targeted him with success early, completing six of nine throws against him for 74 yards. Lattimore made them pay by intercepting a fourth quarter pass and returning it for a game-clinching touchdown. Some rust was still evident in the team’s season finale against Carolina. Lattimore surrendered three completions on four targets, but allowed just 31 yards to Panthers receivers.

For the 2022-23 season, Lattimore appeared in seven games and had one interception to go along with 29 tackles. He broke up four passes and allowed 60% completion rate when targeted without allowing a touchdown pass.

Oct 10, 2021; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Washington receiver Terry McLaurin (17). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY

The 11th overall choice in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Saints out of Ohio State, Marshon Lattimore immediately transformed the team’s defense. He was the 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was voted to the Pro Bowl in four of his first five years.

Marshon Lattimore has 14 career interceptions and an eye-popping 78 passes broken up. Capable of taking on an opponent’s top wideout, Lattimore has allowed less than 55% completion percentage when targeted throughout his career. 

Lattimore is also an outstanding tackler in run support. His terrific ball skills and ability to read quarterbacks also makes him dangerous in off-ball coverage. Lattimore's mere presence often causes opponents to alter their game plans. 

The 27-year-old Lattimore teams with Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo, and veteran Bradley Roby to give New Orleans the NFL's best cornerback unit. At six-foot and 192-Lbs., Lattimore is a physical corner with the agility and athleticism to stay with any NFL receiver. His natural coverage skills make him one of the league's most valued defensive players at any position. 

Dec. 30, 2018; Saints corner back Marshon Lattimore breaks up a pass to Panthers receiver DJ Moore. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Marshon Lattimore's ability to lock down even top wideouts one-on-one allows the Saints to be more aggressive and creative with their defensive game plans. His return to health elevates an already very good defense to a potentially elite unit to count on going into the 2023 campaign.