Dan Quinn confirmed what Commanders fans finally saw from Marshon Lattimore

Marshon Lattimore has been one of the biggest scapegoats behind the Washington Commanders' failure to meet raised expectations through eight weeks of the season. The veteran cornerback is held to a higher standard, and the four-time Pro Bowler's inconsistent play has inevitably drawn the ire of fans.

Lattimore is getting exposed too often in coverage. He's been burned on explosive plays too easily, and his poor technique has led to countless defensive pass interference penalties in critical moments. The pressure was on to turn the tide, especially considering serious questions are starting to swirl about the player's future in Washington beyond the 2025 campaign.

The former Ohio State standout boasts a never-say-die mentality. Lattimore's response was positive, coming up with an interception and looking far more assured in coverage against some dynamic wide receivers at the Kansas City Chiefs' disposal.

Marshon Lattimore showed what he can bring to the Commanders, but consistency is key

This was much more like it from Lattimore. Quinn confirmed what fans finally saw, highlighting the performance as one of the cornerback's strongest since joining the Commanders via trade from the New Orleans Saints.

I really thought he played one of his best games. He was connected with these guys outside. We talked about it before the game; these guys can absolutely fly from the receiver standpoint. He stayed down. He played guarded when he had to — getting his head around from the inside. I thought it was one of his strongest games.Dan Quinn

Lattimore was targeted just once, which he turned into a pick. Patrick Mahomes didn't look his way again, which speaks volumes. He looked like the shutdown presence Washington envisioned when they brought him into the ranks. His 89.0 grade from Pro Football Focus was the highest on the defensive side and second overall behind Terry McLaurin in Week 8. More importantly, this was the new standard that he's set for himself moving forward.

It was a massive confidence boost for Lattimore. At the same time, it will count for nothing if he cannot build on this against the Seattle Seahawks, who have one of the NFL's most prolific wideouts in Jaxon Smith-Njigba at their disposal.

The No. 11 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft will be relishing the prospect of facing a fellow Ohio State alum. There is cautious optimism that Lattimore can hold his own, but quarterback Sam Darnold is going to test his downfield capabilities by looking for Smith-Njigba almost constantly. And it remains to be seen how he will fare in the prime-time pressure cooker.

Although nothing is guaranteed with Lattimore these days, he will improve his chances of seeing out the final year of his deal with another strong showing in Week 9. But as all fans know, it could easily go the other way.