Marshon Lattimore fires warning shot to Commanders' rivals after practice chaos

Joint practices always bring an extra fire between players who've spent the offseason competing with their teammates. This is their first taste of real NFL competition in months, and the added intensity almost always threatens to boil over into something more.

That proved to be the case between the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, which was just fine with veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Things got heated on a couple of occasions during the session. None more so than when two opposing linemen got into a skirmish, clearing both benches. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel tried to break things up, and he ended up getting a bloodied cheek for his efforts.

Marshon Lattimore issues warning that Commanders will not go down without a fight

Even though this goes against head coach Dan Quinn's pre-practice calls for composure and discipline, Lattimore believes it shows the fighting spirit within the Commanders. And if others don't like it, maybe they're in the wrong business.

We're fighters. I love that, mentally and physically fighting. I love to see that from a young team, too, just ready to do whatever. That's football. It's a physical sport. If that's too physical for you, you shouldn't be playing.Marshon Lattimore via John Keim/X

It's no surprise to see Lattimore adopt this mindset. He's never backed down from a challenge. He plays right on the edge. The four-time Pro Bowler can also cross the line, especially when going up against Mike Evans or, more recently, A.J. Brown.

Lattimore is changing the mentality, but the foundations were laid long before his trade to the Commanders was confirmed. Quinn completely shifted the locker room culture. Washington was done being a walkover. The team was done being a laughingstock. They wanted to be more competitive and let everyone know that win, lose, or draw, they'd leave everything on the field right until the end.

Of course, harnessing this aggression effectively is crucial. There is a good blend of youth and experience in the squad. Taking things too far can be reckless, especially in a game-day setting. It's all about being physically engaged while also maintaining supreme focus on the task at hand.

For fans, it's encouraging to see the growing bond between the players. Lattimore didn't have a problem with it; he even commended the young Patriots squad for not backing down, too. This is all part of the game, and anyone who doesn't step up to Washington will get left in the dust this season.

The Commanders are readying themselves for war with loftier expectations on their shoulders. Based on this joint practice, they are taking on the challenge with their customary determination and purpose.

Long may it continue.

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