Marshon Lattimore knows the way he performed last season wasn't good enough. He believes the hamstring injury he suffered prior to being traded to the Washington Commanders made him play timid, and while there were some positive moments, it was hardly what the four-time Pro Bowler expected from himself.
He also knows the Commanders need more from him as he prepares for his first full season with the team, and he's been working all offseason to make sure he's ready for it.
"I just wanted to prove that they [the Commanders] made the right decision," Lattimore told reporters after Wednesday's minicamp practice.
Lattimore, who the Commanders acquired from the New Orleans Saints at last year's trade deadline, played in just two regular-season games for Washington and had up-and-down outings in the playoffs. Part of that was because of the hamstring issue, but Lattimore also had to learn Washington's defensive scheme in the middle of the season, when it was in the thick of a playoff run, and find a way to contribute.
Now, Lattimore has reported to minicamp with more experience in the system, and he's feeling much better about his health.
"Just the burst," Lattimore said when asked about the difference between now and last season. "Just getting all my breaks. I was dealing with a hamstring, and that takes a lot out of you. It takes a long time to heal. I was just trying to battle through that, but now, since I got a full offseason, I feel explosive."