Dennis Allen meets with the media following Friday's training camp practice, talking about the Cam Jordan extension and more.
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00:00 So just a couple of transactions.
00:02 We did place Andrew Dow on injured reserve with an ACL.
00:06 So we found that out after imaging the other day.
00:10 We claimed off of waivers.
00:11 George Filigala as an offensive lineman.
00:16 So back at our number at 90.
00:18 Thought it was good practice today.
00:21 Started off inside, got out in the heat for a little bit.
00:24 I think the heat kind of got to us a little bit, but
00:26 I felt like our guys kind of pushed through, so it was good practice.
00:32 >> Dennis, getting Cam done, getting the extension,
00:35 what has it meant to you to work with him?
00:37 What's he been like for you to work with in your time here?
00:40 >> Yeah, he's been awesome.
00:41 Been awesome.
00:42 I mean, there's plenty of times that I can put the tape on in the middle of
00:47 a team meeting and show a guy that has been in this league as long as Cam has and
00:54 watch the way that that guy practices and runs to the ball.
00:57 And he just demonstrates everything that we're about with our program in
01:03 terms of how we go about doing our business.
01:05 He's been great in the community, great for our organization.
01:09 I'm glad that we got him.
01:10 >> Is he still at the level, would you say he's still at his highest level?
01:15 >> Well, I'd say he still plays at a very, very productive rate.
01:21 He's still a guy that is an extremely well-rounded defensive end.
01:27 I still think he's the best well-rounded defensive end in our league in terms of
01:31 just being able to play the run and rush the pass.
01:34 So, and there's still plenty of snaps in that guy, so I think it's good to have him.
01:41 >> Mike Thomas having the day off, is that injury related?
01:44 >> No, it's not injury related, it's a planned day off.
01:46 >> Dennis, with Lin Val Jr., will you give him an opportunity to return,
01:52 like a punt, or it seems like he's flashing a receiver out there?
01:56 >> Yeah, yeah, look, he's gonna have some opportunities in the return game.
01:59 He's gonna have opportunities in other phases of special teams,
02:04 as well as a receiver.
02:05 And so, yeah, I like some of the things that I've seen out of him.
02:10 >> To follow up on Cam's longevity, do you remember working with a player that
02:14 has been able to produce for 13 seasons, and
02:16 that you guys are confident that he can play for 15 years?
02:19 What's his thing about staying safe and also performing at the level he is?
02:22 >> Yeah, look, I think it's a testament to him and
02:24 the way that he takes care of his body.
02:28 Well, first of all, I think it's a testament to his mom and dad, all right?
02:31 Cuz some of that is a genetic deal.
02:34 But I think just the way that he works, the way he takes care of his body,
02:39 there's really no off season for him.
02:42 He trains year round, and his mentality,
02:45 the way he goes about doing his business is really what we're looking for.
02:49 >> Dennis, why do you think Alvin's pass catching numbers have
02:55 kinda taken a dip in the last two years?
02:56 Is that something that you guys, the new quarterback,
02:59 can make be a more prevalent part of your game?
03:02 >> Look, my expectation is that we're gonna be able to utilize him in
03:06 the passing game, much like Drew was able to utilize him in the passing game.
03:11 That's something that we put an emphasis on, and we'll continue to work on it.
03:16 >> Is part of it just related to how much you all had to rely on him as a runner
03:20 the last couple years, and just the number of,
03:23 the high workload that he had in that capacity?
03:26 >> Yeah, I don't know that that's a specific reason for it.
03:30 Probably a lot of variables that go into it.
03:32 I will say this, I'm excited about the running back room that we have.
03:38 And I think we've got a little bit more depth at that position than maybe what
03:43 we've had in the past.
03:44 And we got guys that can do a variety of things.
03:49 And I think that'll benefit Alvin in terms of not having to have
03:52 the same workload that he's had to have specifically as a runner.
03:57 I think being able to have a little bit of that,
04:01 we've probably been our best offensively when we've been able to kinda have
04:06 a little bit of a running back by committee type of approach.
04:09 And so I'm excited about that room.
04:12 >> It looked like obviously Cam wasn't out there today, but
04:15 we had Conno and Carl getting the first two reps at the end.
04:18 So what's the goal there in terms of, do you wanna have a rotation?
04:22 Do you wanna have someone kinda own that spot across from Cam?
04:24 What's the ideal scenario?
04:25 >> Well, number one, I'd start off by saying, hello, hey, Cam, right?
04:30 I mean, you got a new contract and then you got a day off?
04:32 >> [LAUGH] >> Pretty good for him, right?
04:34 >> Yeah, I think, yeah, we're trying to figure out who's gonna be that guy that's
04:39 gonna play opposite Cam.
04:42 Much like I just talked about the running back room,
04:44 I feel like we got some depth with that position.
04:46 I feel like we've got guys that are fully capable of stepping into that role.
04:51 I think when you look, Cam obviously has been the one player that's probably
04:56 gotten the most reps on the defensive line.
05:00 Part of it's because he can play a lot of plays and still remain productive.
05:05 He's in great physical condition.
05:08 But we rotate a lot of guys throughout our defensive line,
05:13 try to keep them fresh, particularly so when we get into the fourth quarter and
05:18 it's time to try to close out games, we got a fresh group that can go out there and
05:21 play.
05:21 >> What are some of the things you guys are talking to John Gruden about as far as
05:25 where he can maybe shed some insight or- >> Yeah, look,
05:28 I mean, look, he's gonna be here for the next couple of days.
05:33 He's really just observing.
05:35 There's not a role that we have for him.
05:40 He loves football, he loves being around it.
05:43 And so, look, it just comes out here, he watches practice a little bit, and
05:48 if there's some things that we can visit with him about that he can
05:53 provide some insight for us, we'll utilize it.
05:56 But I wouldn't read too much into it.
05:59 I mean, he's out here observing, much like we had some other guys out here.
06:02 Brett Maxey was out here today observing practice.
06:05 So yeah, I mean, he's got a lot of experience with Derek.
06:11 So there's probably some things that we can glean from that.
06:15 >> And is that like, you guys, the store will be open for that in October,
06:18 November, like you wanted to pop in and just observe?
06:21 >> Yeah, look, I think we're getting out ahead of ourselves.
06:23 I mean, we'll be here for I think three days just watching.
06:28 And again, he just loves being around football.