More than ever, you’ll see Cameron Jordan lining up at defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. He’ll remain a part of the edge defender rotation, but he’ll now also take snaps on the interior.
Jordan admits the move requires humility. The idea of taking on three players on any given play doesn’t bring him excitement, but it’s what the team needs from him. Jordan swallowed his pride and welcomed the challenge.
Jordan lost weight over the offseason, dipping under 270 pounds for the first time since high school. He’s put some weight back on this summer but is still lighter than usual. He joked after a recent training practice that it ended up being the “Wrong time to slim down.”
He does clarify that defensive linemen can be “small, light, and strong.” The qualities aren’t mutually exclusive. To help with the transition, Jordan is looking at guys like Aaron Donald and other lighter players for the position. Jordan also highlighted Calais Campbell as a player who evolved from an edge rusher to an interior defender.
There’s a major shift when sliding inside from a technique and preparation standpoint. Jordan says everything happens quicker on the interior: “Off the edge you get three, four steps. You move on the interior and everything gets faster.” There’s just less time for you to set up offensive linemen for moves.
Jordan added that his minimal experience at the position has lessened the learning curve and he’s getting more comfortable.
Playing inside snaps changes weekly preparation. It’s an elevated workload having to prepare for playing edge and defensive tackle. 14 years into the season and Jordan has even more on his plate.
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