New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen
2017 Training Camp Presented by Verizon
Saturday, July 29, 2017

Opening Statement:
"Fire away. We're in training camp and we've gotten through three days now. We're just in the beginning process. We're excited about the opportunity we have out here and we're working to get better. Whatever questions you guys have just fire away."

Could you give an early review on Marshon Lattimore?
"I thought the first two days he did some really good things. Still as a rookie player there's a lot to learn. The main focus for him is to concentrate on trying to get better and really focusing in on his technique. The thing I like about him is he's in shape, he came back a few pounds lighter than when he came here initially after the draft process and I think that's the start. Just getting caught up to speed on not really what we're doing, but how the offense is trying to attack him."

Was there a noticeable difference the first day in pads?
"Yes, I think there always is. I think there's a heightened sense of urgency once the pads come on and it's the first time we've had pads on in probably six months. I think there was an excitement about being back in pads. Again, the main focus for us is worrying about how we're going to get better each day and Coach (Payton) talked about it after practice. There's an ebb and flow to practice, the offense gets the better end of us on a period and how do we respond? I thought we did a better job of responding in the last period today."

What are your initial thoughts on Arthur Maulet here in Training Camp?
"I think this is a good, young talent who's extremely competitive and that gives him a chance. I'm impressed with some of the things I've seen. Now it's all about how quickly does he adapt to the things we're asking him to do."

A guy like David Onyemata is going to receive an opportunity to see some action. How have you seen him change from last year to this and embrace that opportunity?
"I think the biggest thing is he's a lot more comfortable with his fundamentals, technique and the things that we're going to ask him to do. I think last year he was still learning the NFL game, he spent a lot of time in Canada (in college). I'm excited about David, I think he has an opportunity to have a really good year. Again, that's all into the projections to what's going to happen down the road but, I see where he started this year is ahead of where he ended up last year and that's what we want to see is that little progression.

What do you like from Stephone (Anthony) at the Will?
"I think when you put him out there at the Will, you take a little bit off his plate, as far as the communication process. I thought he had a really good spring and in our league, you never know what's going to happen. There could be an injury or somebody is released and now you have to adjust your thought process. We're putting him over at the Will; we're going to work him there and give him an opportunity to win a job. I think he's done some good things to start camp."

You mentioned losing a guy, I'm assuming you expected Dannell Ellerbe would be with this roster and he's not. How do you change what you were thinking at that spot?
"We deal with the guys we have in the building and we're going to try to put those guys in the best position to be successful. We felt like we're going to give Steph a chance to go compete at the Will along with Alex Anzalone and that process will be fluid throughout camp. At the end of the day, when we start playing games, the biggest thing is how do we get our best 11 players on the field and how do we as a coaching staff try to do the things that they do the best and try to limit the things we ask them to do that they aren't as good at."

What do you make of Alex's (Anzalone) collision with (Adrian) Peterson on that screen play?
"I don't remember the specific play but, this is a collision game so anytime we have a chance to create some collisions, that's a good thing."

How good can Delvin Breaux be and what's the next step for him?
"I think physically, Delvin has everything you're looking for. Delvin needs to continue to grow from the mental aspect of the game and really understand (players) are trying to attack him. What type of routes do I need to cover based on formation splits and those types of things? This game is way more mental than people give it credit for. Smart players win in this league and he's got to continue to improve and continue to develop and we've seen that over the last couple of years."