The long-standing rivalry between Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore has become one of the most explosive player matchups in recent NFL history. Spanning over eight seasons, this feud has been marked by physical altercations, penalties, and fierce competition. It all started in 2017 when the two first clashed during a game between the Buccaneers and the Saints. Lattimore, known for his lockdown cornerback play, has consistently been a thorn in Evans’ side, holding him to limited production in most of their matchups. But their rivalry goes far beyond numbers; it’s become a symbol of the intense battles that define the NFC South.
One of the key flashpoints in this rivalry came in that 2017 season when a skirmish between the two erupted after Lattimore had an altercation with then-Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston. Evans, seeing his quarterback in a confrontation, delivered a blindside hit on Lattimore, sparking a brawl that led to penalties and set the stage for what would be years of tension between the two players. This type of intensity and physicality has come to define their matchups, with both players often getting into shoving matches, jawing at each other, and pushing the limits of what’s allowed on the field.
Statistically, Lattimore has had the upper hand in this rivalry. Evans has only one 100-yard game against the Saints, and in recent years, Lattimore has continued to make life difficult for the star receiver. Over the last seven regular-season matchups, Evans has averaged just 45.4 yards per game when facing Lattimore, a testament to the cornerback’s ability to neutralize one of the NFL’s top wideouts. Despite his struggles, Evans remains one of the most physical and dominant receivers in the league, and his presence ensures that their battles will continue to be must-watch moments.
But it’s not just the on-field statistics that make this rivalry compelling; the emotional and psychological aspect adds another layer of intrigue. Evans has been fined over $100,000 and suspended twice for his actions in previous games against Lattimore. However, ahead of their most recent matchup, Evans has emphasized his growth and maturity, admitting that he’s done a “bad job” in the past of controlling his emotions. Now, he’s focused on staying composed and playing winning football, recognizing that getting ejected only hurts his team.
On the other side, Lattimore is just as passionate about the matchup. Known for his tenacity, he has embraced the challenge of covering one of the NFL’s top receivers. His success against Evans has cemented his status as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, and his ability to get under Evans’ skin has added a psychological edge to their battles.
As the Buccaneers and Saints prepare to face off again, all eyes will be on Evans and Lattimore. Can Evans finally break through Lattimore’s tight coverage and have a standout performance? Or will Lattimore continue his dominance and frustrate the Bucs’ star receiver? This ongoing rivalry continues to add fuel to the fire of one of the NFL’s most heated divisional matchups.
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