Cam Jordan was slow.
As he left the field at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, he shook hands, signed autographs, posed for pictures, and managed to summon anything like a grin while warming hearts with his boundless kindness.
Jordan responded, “Yeah, I did,” when asked if he prolonged his departure. “You can never predict what will occur. Even if I believe that I can play for another three, four, two, three, or whatever number of years my play indicates I can, I have no idea what the future holds. I will thus look after those who have always looked after me.
The 14-year defensive end reaffirmed his belief that he had much more to offer, but he was unsure if the Saints’ 25-10 defeat to the Raiders, which reduced their record to 5-11, was his last appearance in the Superdome while sporting a No. 94 jersey. And he demonstrated his abilities once more.
After defensive end Carl Granderson and linebacker Demario Davis joined forces for a no-gain tackle on first down, Jordan and Davis combined for a 2-yard tackle for loss on second down, and Jordan produced a sack for minus-10 on third down to force the field goal with the Raiders facing first-and-goal from the one.
In his NFL career, Jordan has sacked 49 quarterbacks, including Aidan O’Connell, who increased his franchise-high total to 121.5 sacks. Jordan has four sacks this season, making him one of the most accomplished and effective defensive players in the team’s history.
After Darren Rizzi was named interim head coach and pass rush specialist Brian Young’s defensive line responsibilities were expanded, Jordan got the more snaps he had pushed for, and he recorded all of his sacks this season in the last seven games. Additionally, he spent more time at defensive end and less time at defensive tackle.
He said, “You turn on the tape, you tell me,” when asked what he has demonstrated after the coaching departure. It’s not as though we’ve heard anything new.
“I can only present myself in the best possible light. My attitude to work and my enthusiasm for this game have always been constant, and I want to continue playing it until my passion for it fades.
The 35-year-old, an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, has one year left on his deal.
It was clear that this year’s ledger was disappointing.
“I was obviously mistaken when I assumed we would be making it to the playoffs. I was obviously mistaken when I assumed I would be hurrying from the edge,” he remarked. Therefore, my only option is to be the finest soldier and fighter I can be, unite my men, communicate with them, and do my best to guide them.
“Throughout the entire year, I made an effort to thoroughly accept whatever position was assigned to me. Whatever it takes, I want the Black and Gold to succeed. Even if it doesn’t seem like much, we obviously had a lot to overcome. Here we are, 5-11.
“We can make a lot of excuses, but ultimately, we didn’t do well this year, and that hurts as a player, as a gamer, and as someone who loves the Black and Gold. To be honest, I think the citizens of New Orleans deserved more, especially now that the Super Bowl is here.
Jordan was instrumental in helping the defense force a Las Vegas field goal try in the first quarter. He ended with three tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit.
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