The Lattimore-Evans Saga: 5 Key Stats That Defined The NFL's Most Intense Rivalry (Now Extinct)

The Marshon Lattimore vs. Mike Evans rivalry was, for nearly seven seasons, the most volatile, physical, and must-watch one-on-one battle in the entire National Football League. This high-stakes matchup, featuring two of the NFC South's biggest stars, defined the New Orleans Saints-Tampa Bay Buccaneers feud, often spilling over into personal altercations and ejections. As of the end of the 2024 season, that era has officially closed, making this the perfect moment to look back at the statistics that defined their legendary, bitter feud.

The rivalry, which began in 2017, saw the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Lattimore consistently matched up against the perennial 1,000-yard receiver Evans. The recent, seismic trade of Lattimore to the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline means this intense, divisional clash is now extinct, leaving behind a legacy of dominant performances, shocking moments, and a surprisingly one-sided statistical history that is far more nuanced than many casual fans realize.

Career Biographies and Major Accolades

To fully appreciate the intensity of their rivalry, it is essential to understand the elite level of talent both Marshon Lattimore and Mike Evans brought to the field every time they faced off. They are two of the most decorated players at their respective positions in the modern era.

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Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver)

• Born: August 21, 1993 (Galveston, Texas)
• College: Texas A&M
• Draft: 2014 NFL Draft, Round 1, Pick 7 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
• Key Accolades:
  • Super Bowl LV Champion
  • 6× Pro Bowl selection (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)
  • NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career (11 and counting)
  • Buccaneers franchise leader in career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns

Marshon Lattimore (Washington Commanders Cornerback)

• Born: May 20, 1996 (Cleveland, Ohio)
• College: Ohio State
• Draft: 2017 NFL Draft, Round 1, Pick 11 (New Orleans Saints)
• Key Accolades:
  • AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (2017)
  • 4× Pro Bowl selection (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
  • Traded to the Washington Commanders (2024 NFL trade deadline)

The 5 Defining Head-to-Head Statistics of the Evans-Lattimore Rivalry

The narrative surrounding the rivalry often focused on Evans's size and Lattimore's speed and physicality. While Evans is a future Hall-of-Famer, the advanced metrics reveal a surprising and consistent dominance by the cornerback when the two were mano-a-mano.

1. Average Receptions Per Game: 3.0 Catches

Over their 14+ head-to-head matchups where Lattimore was the primary cover man, Mike Evans averaged approximately 3.0 receptions per game. For an elite, high-volume receiver like Evans—who often averages 5-6 catches per game against other opponents—this low number is a testament to Lattimore's ability to consistently disrupt the Buccaneers' passing game flow. Lattimore’s defensive strategy forced the ball elsewhere, often rendering Evans a non-factor in the box score.

2. Average Receiving Yards Per Game: 52 Yards

Similarly, Evans's yardage production plummeted when facing Lattimore. His career average in these matchups hovers around 52 receiving yards per game. Evans is renowned for his ability to win downfield, but Lattimore's elite mirroring technique and recovery speed prevented the deep shots that are Evans's bread and butter. This low yardage total is a clear indicator that Lattimore was successful in keeping the Buccaneers' top offensive weapon in check.

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3. The Low Catch Rate: 45% on Targets

Perhaps the most telling statistic of Lattimore's dominance is the catch rate he allowed. Historically, when Evans was targeted while being covered by Lattimore, he managed to haul in only about 9 receptions on 20 targets, equating to a mere 45% catch rate. For context, an average NFL receiver's catch rate is typically closer to 60-65%. This low percentage highlights Lattimore's exceptional ball skills and his knack for contesting passes, a fact that Pro Football Focus (PFF) backed up by noting Lattimore contested 42% of targets thrown Evans's way—significantly higher than the 16% contested rate Evans faced from other cornerbacks.

4. The 2024/2025 Wildcard Anomaly: Evans's Final Surge

While the overall career stats favor Lattimore, the most recent matchups before the trade showed a shift in momentum, particularly in the 2024-2025 Wildcard game. In the first half of one of their final meetings, Mike Evans exploded for 5 receptions, 66 yards, and 1 touchdown. This performance, which included a dominant touchdown drive, showed that even Lattimore was not immune to Evans's talent, especially as Lattimore dealt with nagging injuries. The rivalry ended not with a whimper, but with a final, explosive statement from the Tampa Bay star, making the overall statistical split even more compelling.

5. The Trade: A Rivalry-Ending Transaction

The most current and consequential "statistic" of the Lattimore vs. Evans saga is the trade itself. On October 29, 2024, Marshon Lattimore was traded to the Washington Commanders. This transaction instantly and irrevocably ended the most prominent one-on-one rivalry in the NFC South. The trade, which saw the Saints receive multiple 2025 draft picks, means that Evans and Lattimore will no longer face each other twice a year in the divisional slugfest. This move ensures that the statistical averages Lattimore built against Evans will likely stand as a permanent, if controversial, monument to his success against the future Hall of Famer.

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The Legacy of the Feud: Why the Stats Matter

The Lattimore-Evans rivalry was about more than just numbers; it was a clash of personalities and defensive philosophies. Lattimore, a physical, boundary-cornerback, was one of the few players capable of consistently slowing down Evans, a receiver known for his size and contested-catch ability. The animosity was palpable, leading to multiple ejections and fines over the years, including an infamous incident where Evans shoved Lattimore to the ground after a confrontation with Tom Brady.

The statistics, however, tell a clear story: Marshon Lattimore had Mike Evans's number for the better part of a decade. Evans's low output in receptions and yards when Lattimore was shadowing him is a rare feat against a player of Evans's caliber. While Evans was always a threat for a big play, Lattimore's consistent coverage forced the Buccaneers' offense to adjust, often to their detriment.

With Lattimore now in the AFC, the rivalry is officially over. Fans and analysts will forever debate who "won" the overall feud, but the head-to-head stats—especially the 45% catch rate and the low yardage per game—provide a strong argument that Marshon Lattimore was one of the few cornerbacks in the NFL who could consistently neutralize the legendary Mike Evans.