The New Orleans Saints have had their share of issues this season. From Jameis Winston’s season-ending knee injury to currently having a losing record, Who Dat Nation has seen better days.
However, a pivotal Saints player and one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history just dodged a major bullet.
Most passes defended this season:
J.C. Jackson: 15#ForeverNE
Trevon Diggs: 13#DallasCowboys
Xavien Howard: 12#FinsUp
Kevin Byard:12#Titans
Anthony Brown: 11#DallasCowboys
Marshon Lattimore: 11#Saints
Marlon Humphrey: 11#RavensFlock
— Regulators Podcast (@RegulatorsPod) November 26, 2021
Lattimore’s Legality
Last week, Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was able to get closer to putting his problems behind him. Lattimore was sentenced to one year of probation after the dismissal of his felony gun charge. According to ESPN, Lattimore’s attorney confirmed that he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
In March, Lattimore was arrested in Cleveland, his hometown, and initially charged with a fourth-degree felony for possessing a loaded handgun.
At the time, authorities believed the weapon to be stolen. According to reports, Lattimore did not know the gun was stolen, per Marcus Sidoti, Lattimore’s attorney.
Charges Dismissed
However, the charge was dismissed last week, and Lattimore pleaded guilty to failing to promptly inform officers that he was carrying a concealed handgun while being a passenger in a vehicle stopped for multiple traffic violations.
Lattimore had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, but video of the arrest showed that Lattimore did not immediately tell officers he had the gun until they asked.
Luckily for Lattimore, the charge was a misdemeanor.
Consequences?
Based on the NFL code of conduct, Lattimore could face disciplinary action; however, that determination currently is unclear. Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman, said to ESPN, “We continue to monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review.”
In addition, Lattimore was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, according to reported Cuyahoga County court documents. Lattimore’s supervised probation is “non-reporting,” so Lattimore will not have to appear at the probationary office in person.
Worth The Trouble
A three-time Pro Bowl player, Lattimore, was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. The 25-year-old was drafted 11th overall from The Ohio State University.
Saints inactives tonight include RBs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Bills inactives tonight include RB Zack Moss and WR Isaiah McKenzie.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2021
Lattimore is one of the league’s highest-paid cornerbacks. In Week 1 of the 2021-2022 season, Lattimore took a five-year extension worth between $97.6 million and $100 million. He was also named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for Week 5.
Who Dey? Thanksgiving Losers
Marshon Lattimore tonight pic.twitter.com/TQcIxT9iZf
— 𝗗𝗝 (@DJBucsFan) November 26, 2021
The Saints hosted the Buffalo Bills for a Thanksgiving Day game and took a 31-6 loss. Although third in the NFC South, the Saints now have a losing record of 5-6.
However, Lattimore got cooked on a second-and-goal from the Saints’ 5-yard line. Stefon Diggs ran inward after a few quick steps forward, then pivoted to a sharp left slant that left Lattimore lost for a Diggs touchdown reception.
Stefon Diggs vs Marshon Lattimore 🤧
pic.twitter.com/gudZjqg1nV— PFF (@PFF) November 26, 2021
In addition, the Saints moved the ball poorly.
Although QB Trevor Siemian made an early touchdown pass to Nick Vannett, he only averaged 2.5 yards per play. In addition, Siemian’s execution was off with multiple misfires, and lackluster hand-off passes.
On the night the saints honored Brees, we got to see how spoiled we got watching a first ballot hall of famer for 15 years. And these injuries are decimating. Next man up is a cool saying, but there’s a reason some guys make millions. Still, #whodat ⚜️
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) November 26, 2021
Saints QB Taysom Hill was never tapped in, and minus Jameis Winston and Alvin Kamara’s impact on the field, the team took a severe home loss. The defense was also dim, as Bills Diggs and tight end Dawson Knox did the Saints dirty in the red zone.
Cornerback Bradley Roby, linebacker Kwon Alexander, and defensive end Cameron Jordan had chances to execute game-changing plays for New Orleans, but they were unable to turn the tide.
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