Mike Triplett, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Jordan wants more after breakout year

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- Defensive end Cameron Jordan had a breakout season in 2013, making his first trip to the Pro Bowl, racking up 12.5 sacks and being widely recognized for his role in the New Orleans Saints' defensive revival.

But, Jordan said, "It wasn't good enough."

"It's one thing to have a good year like I did last year. But it has to be better. Everything that the team does has to be better because clearly it wasn't enough to get to the Super Bowl," said Jordan, who insisted Thursday that he was more driven than ever this offseason, increasing his daily workouts.

"I just feel like I want it more," Jordan said. "I'm bitter."

Jordan, 25, has always stood out as arguably the most playful personality on the Saints' roster. So it was interesting to see him talk so openly and seriously about his passion for the game during a lengthy conversation with the media on Thursday -- as The Times-Picayune's Katherine Terrell did a good job of pointing out.

Jordan said that playful energy carries over onto the field, as well.

He joked that "monster" line-mates such as Akiem Hicks and Brodrick Bunkley are far more serious and intense on the field, and they do a lot of grunting -- a strategy that certainly helps them get the job done, too.

But Jordan said he's out there having fun every time he gets a chance to hit the quarterback, experiencing "pure bliss" because he loves playing football so much.

Jordan said he's working to become as fast as Junior Galette and as powerful as Hicks. In the meantime, he relies on his boundless energy.

"At some point in the game, you're gonna succumb," Jordan explained. "You're going to know that I'm going to be better than you. At some point in the game, you're going to be tired and you're going to look over and I'm still going to have energy. That's the point.

"Somewhere in there I'm wearing you down until you have nothing left. And I want that."

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