Marshon Lattimore expressed a mindset reminiscent of Ivan Drago while talking about the possibility of a resurgence in his rivalry with Mike Evans as the Washington Commanders take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday’s wild-card game.

“If it happens, it happens,” Lattimore, now a Commanders cornerback, told reporters on Friday.

The last clash between Lattimore and Evans took place in Week 6 when Lattimore was still with the New Orleans Saints. He was subsequently traded to the Commanders at the NFL trade deadline. This rivalry will certainly grab the spotlight during the game broadcast.

“There are matchups across the field that can greatly influence the outcome, and these are two top-level competitors, which makes coaching invigorating,” said Commanders head coach Dan Quinn on Wednesday. “While they may be the focus on the broadcast, many others will also be intensely competing.”

Washington traded away three draft picks to bring Lattimore in, hoping he would cover the opponent’s top receivers in the playoffs. However, he had limited time with the team due to a hamstring injury, missing his first four games. He finally played against the Saints on December 15, but later re-aggravated his injury against the Philadelphia Eagles and missed the remainder of the regular season.

This week, Lattimore returned to full practice and took a rest day on Friday.

“It’s just another game to go out and help my team,” Lattimore remarked. “My goal is to lock him down. Everything else is secondary.”

Evans, who has achieved the milestone of over 1,000 receiving yards for 11 consecutive seasons (tying with Jerry Rice for the longest streak), faced Lattimore 12 times during the regular season while Lattimore was with the Saints. Over those games, the five-time Pro Bowler recorded 16 catches for 309 yards and three touchdowns. In their 13 head-to-head matchups, Evans averaged 2.6 catches for 43.6 yards.

“I just need to perform at my best because he’s an outstanding player,” Evans stated this week. “We know each other well since we’ve faced each other a lot. If he’s playing, I eagerly await the matchup.”

Lattimore aims to take on the best opponents, asserting, “It’s the best versus the best.”

The rivalry heated up in Week 9 of 2017 when former Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston provoked Lattimore by tapping the back of his helmet while Lattimore was near the Bucs sideline. Following Lattimore’s shove to Winston, Evans intervened and tackled Lattimore, resulting in a suspension for Evans the following week.

Then in the 2020 season opener, the two continued their physical engagement, leading to Lattimore pushing Evans from behind. Evans retaliated strongly, causing Lattimore’s helmet to fly off, resulting in a 15-yard penalty against Lattimore.

“Both are exceptional players who thrive on competition,” stated Bucs coach Todd Bowles on Monday. “Mike is a professional who comprehends the stakes of the game. Nothing more needs to be said about that.”

They stirred up a bench-clearing incident in Week 3 of the 2022 season after getting into a dispute involving Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette, which led to Evans sending Lattimore spinning once again. Both were ejected, and after throwing punches, Evans received another one-game suspension.

“As long as it’s within the game, I’m fine with it,” Evans reflected on his history with Lattimore, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times in October. “I’ve struggled previously with letting things escalate beyond the game, but I’m older and wiser now. Our team is focused on winning, and it’s hard to win when you’re ejected. I want to maintain that competitive spirit but be smart about it. Being ejected doesn’t contribute to winning.”

These incidents are merely a few high-profile moments outside the typical banter that often occurs between a receiver and a defensive back during games.

“I want to be aggressive, especially given our history, but my focus is being physical regardless,” Lattimore remarked. “My goal is simply to ensure you know I’m present on the field.”