WATCH: Dennis Allen reacts to Day 1 of training camp

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · Wednesday, July 23 2025

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen met with the media on Wednesday at Halas Hall and gave his impressions of the first day of training camp.

"Training camp is like a long, dark tunnel, and there's no light at the end of it," Allen said to reporters. "You've just got to focus on one day at a time, one rep at a time, one practice at a time. I know that's cliché, but that's the truth and that's what I want our guys to do. I don't want them to focus on the results right now. I want them to focus on the process and things we're going to ask them to do to get better.

"I thought today for the first day out there was pretty good. I thought the retention from what we did in spring to what we saw out there today, I was pleased with what I saw there. And yet we still have a long way to go. We're going to keep working every day, continue to battle, and continue to improve and get this defense better."

Check out the press conference below:

Video summary/cliff notes:

Focus on Daily Improvement (00:01–00:31)

Dennis Allen emphasized taking training camp "one day at a time," stressing that players shouldn't focus on results yet, but on the process and daily progress.

Positive First-Day Impressions (00:31–00:48)

He was pleased with players’ retention from spring practices but acknowledged there's still a long road ahead.

Jaylon Johnson's Absence (00:48–01:38)

Allen expressed confidence in Johnson’s professionalism and recovery, but emphasized developing the current players and finding who steps up in his absence.

Game Management & Coaching Growth (02:20–03:42)

Allen discussed how there's no substitute for live game experience in learning game management, something he believes new coaches like Ben Johnson will adapt to through reps.

Praise for Tremaine Edmunds (04:09–04:29)

Edmunds' interception on Day 1 was highlighted, and Allen expects him to be a major playmaker due to his size, range, and intelligence.

Cross-Training for Versatility (04:29–05:13)

Allen explained the importance of cross-training players like Edmunds and T.J. Edwards at multiple positions due to limited game-day rosters.

Up-downs to Build Mental Toughness (05:13–06:23)

Defensive players did up-downs as part of instilling a tough, accountable culture. It’s a long-standing method Allen uses to mentally condition his defenses.

Cornerback Competition Open (06:44–08:00)

The CB depth chart is fluid; Allen praised a young corner (likely Tyrique Stevenson or Terell Smith) getting first-team reps due to offseason work and positional traits like size and speed.

Leadership Must Be Organic (08:00–08:42)

Allen wants leadership to develop naturally, saying the best teams are player-led and that the current roster includes players with those qualities.

DL Additions & Tyrann Mathieu Tribute (09:07–10:58)

He praised veterans like Tano (Kpassagnon) and Trey Flowers for system familiarity and leadership, and reflected fondly on coaching Tyrann Mathieu, who recently retired.