**
HC Doug Marrone**
Sunday, July 20 2014
Q: Can you give us an update on Marcell Dareus?
A: At the present time he hasn't been able to pass all the tests to get him on the field, so we're working on that, trying to get him ready to go.
Q: Would these be considered conditioning tests or medical tests?
A: Conditioning tests.
Q: How disappointing is that given everyone was hoping for a fresh start from Marcell?
A: Well, he's not the only one, but obviously you want your players to come in ready to go. We're here for a long period of time so we'll make up for it.
Q: Are there any other players that did not pass the test?
A: Yep, there are a couple of players on the NFI [Non-Football Illness and Injury Lists]. I believe Alan Branch is on it, Marcell, Randell Johnson, and obviously Kiko Alonso.
Q: Does that basically mean he wasn't in shape and if that's the case, how troubling is that given the offseason that he had?
A: He'll be in shape ready to play.
Q: What do you think his time since the end of minicamp has done for him?
A: Yeah, I just think right now he needs to focus on getting himself ready, getting in shape, getting on the field and focusing on football.
Q: What are you expectations for the season with regards to where you'll be at the end of the year?
A: Obviously our goal is to be in the playoffs.
Q: Did Marcell have a reason as to why he wasn't in shape?
A: Sure, we have conversations about that but those conversations are between Marcell and I. If he wants to share those reasons with you he's more than welcome to.
Q: Earlier this week you told us about Cordy Glenn's status, what's the latest on that?
A: Well, it's a medical condition, and again, I've been advised to say he's not going to be out there practicing, and if he wants to comment further on that he can.
Q: How much fear do you have that he will be out for an extended period of time?
A: I take things for what they are, as of now he's not practicing, other than that I have no idea.
Q: Do you get that same feeling every year that it's a fresh start, a new year?
A: That's whats great about this game. Everyone's heading into camp, everyone's excited, everybody's fresh. We've done some things so far as a team, with meetings and what not, we had a walk through this morning, it was great and we have to keep that same type of enthusiasm going.
Q: Are there particular signs that make you more optimistic this year as opposed to last year?
A: Well, last year I didn't know a lot of the players, honestly. I had never really worked with any of them, you see them on film but it's not really the same. This year we have a background with the players and the players have done a good job, we're stronger, our training staff has done a good job, we're stronger and faster than we've been, I like where we are from a talent standpoint, we've just got to go out and execute.
Q: How are your expectations different for EJ [Manuel] coming into this year than they were for last year?
A: I have high expectations all the time, so I don't know if I would call them different. I'm excited, he looks good and confident, obviously it's a better situation, last year we were explaining what the offense is and not really the ins and outs of things, this year we're able to get more into the ins and outs of things, not just with EJ but with a lot of guys on the team with the system already being in place.
Q: Other guys who had offseason surgeries who may have been limited in the spring, is everyone full go and healthy at this point?
A: I think most of them are, but we're going to be smart about it, especially with a couple guys, but everyone has been cleared.
Q: What is your reaction to Kiko Alonso's injury, how much of a setback is that and how do you plan on filling that position?
A: You're always disappointed when a player that puts in a lot of work like Kiko has and has performed very well for you isn't able to get out there, but in the same sense, someone else is going to get an opportunity to get on the field. We have a couple of guys we're going to look at, Nigel Bradham has had a good camp, Preston Brown, Randell Johnson, maybe some of the other young guys or free agents will be able to do something so we have people at that position.
Q: Can you speak to things you saw at the end of minicamp and heading into training camp from Seantrel Henderson?
A: I think he'll have a chance to compete. It's a long process, there's a lot of things that have to happen still, but the good part is that we're here, we're working, we're the first one's in camp, I'm excited about that, and we're going to do a lot of work. I've even gotten some questions about where everyone is, but we haven't even taken a snap yet. We've got some time and it's going to be a lot of fun.
