New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore had a strong 2021 season due to career-highs of 68 total tackles and 19 passes defended.
Those numbers helped him to a fourth Pro Bowl selection in five NFL seasons.
In 2022, he will get more help in the secondary after the Saints brought in Daniel Sorensen, Marcus Maye, and Tyrann Mathieu.
But while the team’s defensive backs rotation has improved, Lattimore will have his hands full throughout the season.
Marshon Lattimore has his hands full next season 😳 pic.twitter.com/o9xIDHwXdb
— PFF (@PFF) May 18, 2022
Pro Football Focus posted a graphic showing the wide receivers he will be covering in 2022.
Since they are division rivals with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lattimore will face Mike Evans twice.
The Carolina Panthers’ D.J. Moore will also be his assignment in Weeks 3 and 18.
The daunting list also includes Justin Jefferson who had over 1,630 yards for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021.
DK Metcalf, A.J. Brown, and Amari Cooper are daunting matchups physically, while Deebo Samuel and DeAndre Hopkins could leave him behind in an instant.
His assignments only get tougher as he faces Ja’Marr Chase in Week 6, Davante Adams in Week 8, and Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp in Week 11.
Lattimore’s Performance Is Crucial For Saints’ Success
Those wide receivers can dominate the game if not challenged or covered.
They will make more catches than drops, giving them the ability to complete big plays any time.
As a Pro Bowler, Lattimore will be up to the task in covering whoever is in front of him.
But the more good games he gives up to these wideouts, the Saints’ playoff chances dwindle.
In contrast, he could be up for an individual accolade if he can limit these receivers while being their primary defender.
As imposing those receivers are, Lattimore won’t back down without a fight.
NEXT: Are The Saints A Super Bowl Contender With Jarvis Landry?