SAN DIEGO – Donald Butler acknowledged what others perceived about his play last season – he wasn’t at his best in 2014.

“I just played bad,” the San Diego Chargers inside linebacker told reporters this week. “It happens. Like I said, I’m just ready for this year though, and I’m ready to get after it.”

Butler’s play was uneven last season. Defensive coordinator John Pagano limited Butler’s snaps to early downs in the second half of 2014, taking defensive play-calling duties from Butler and giving them to safety Eric Weddle. Although Butler was inconsistent, he finished third on the team in tackles with 73.

Butler will make $3.25 million in the second year of his seven-year, $51.8 million deal. However, Butler said he didn’t feel added pressure to perform at a higher level after signing a high-dollar contract last season.

“More than anything, it’s about going out there and representing the name on the back of your jersey,” Butler said. “And I felt like I didn’t do that well enough. I’m my own worst critic.”

The 26-year-old finished 2014 on the injured reserve with a dislocated elbow, missing the last two games. Butler told reporters that he had a couple surgeries during the offseason to help him get healthy for the upcoming season. He did not disclose what type of surgeries he had leading up to offseason workouts.

Butler said he returned to his hometown of Sacramento to train after the completion of San Diego’s season last December.

So far, Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano said he’s pleased with the renewed focus Butler has shown during organized team activities at Chargers Park.

“Donald in the first five or six OTAs right now, you’re seeing a different player running around there – making plays and getting his hands on the football,” Pagano told Xtra 1360 Fox Sports Radio. “He’s in position to make the tackles and coming with the proper leverage. And it’s always stressing those fundamentals, and not taking it for granted so much -- running by a play here and there -- you put yourself in those situations, and you break down, we two-hand touch everything and you sprint to the football.

“But you see a different focus in Donald, and that’s positive because the big thing for him is he wants to be great.”

The Chargers drafted Denzel Perryman in the second round to improve depth at inside linebacker and add competition at the position. However, Butler does not see the move as a threat.

“The more help the better,” Butler said. “I wouldn’t say it affected me in any way, negative or positive. I think I always want us to win, regardless if I’m in there or not. So he [Perryman] looks good. He’s out there running around and getting better every day, and that’s what you want from these young guys.”