Saints' Marshon Lattimore: 'I want teams to test me, so they can see I'm the real deal'

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By Josh Katzenstein

jkatzenstein@nola.com,

NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

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CARSON, Calif. -- In 17 snaps during Sunday's preseason game, the football never came in the direction of New Orleans Saints first-round pick Marshon Lattimore.

For the Saints, that could be a good sign as Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Kellen Clemens chose not to test the rookie cornerback, but Lattimore doesn't want to be the guy opposing teams avoid.

"I want to make some plays on the ball," Lattimore said. "I want teams to test me, so they can see I'm the real deal."

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Lattimore saw limited action in his first preseason appearance after missing the exhibition opener, but the Saints chose to have him start, which provided a something of confidence boost.

"First NFL game, just to go out there and start is a dream come true," he said. "I can't let it overwhelm me. It's my job now."

Lattimore helped the first-team defense thrive in what proved to be a 13-7 victory for the Saints. The defense played well throughout the night, and the Chargers' offense didn't score at all as the lone score was a defensive touchdown.

Because he wasn't targeted, it's hard to fully evaluate Lattimore's performance, but he showed solid technique in coverage that forced the ball to other parts of the field. His only blunder was poor footwork on a run play by Melvin Gordon, who juked Lattimore to the ground.

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"I was supposed to be closer to the line," he said. "I just can't stop my feet. It'll be better. It'll come with time just knowing tendencies of running backs and anybody period."

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Because he missed time with a knee injury during training camp, Lattimore still has some catching up to do. In the NFL, he can't just rely on his athleticism and man-coverage skills because the Saints will regularly deploy zone schemes.

It was somewhat surprising to see Lattimore start the game because he spent most of the two joint practices against the Chargers playing with backups. Instead of Ken Crawley, though, the Saints chose to take an early look at Lattimore in the game opposite P.J. Williams.

Whether Lattimore ultimately opens the season as a starter remains to be seen, but Sunday's performance provided encouraging signs, though he wasn't satisfied.

"I always could get better," Lattimore said. "I feel like I could get way better than I am."

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