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NFL News, Opinion, Top PostsMMCB: Joy of sacks gives Jared Allen the edge
EDDIE LEE
NFLPosts.com Editor
With a couple of virtuoso performances against the Packers, Jared Allen, the Vikings’ sack machine, has to be considered the leading contender for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Halfway – or what used to be halfway – through the season, Allen’s competition for the award consists of the Broncos’ Elvis Dumervil and the Colts’ Dwight Freeney, respected sack meisters themselves.
With 3 more sacks against Green Bay, Allen now has 10.5 to lead the league, a hair ahead of Dumervil (10) and Freeney (8).
There’s a strong case to be made for the speedy Dumervil, the once-undersized DE is terrorizing Denver opponents from a new position, OLB, and his team features the No. 1 unit in the league in terms of yards allowed.
A smooth transition to a 3-4 and the tremendous turnaround by the Broncos D, from one that was a pushover to one that’s feared, is notable.
Freeney leads the stingiest defense in the league in terms of points allowed. The havoc he causes from the edge is a big factor in the Colts’ unblemished (7-0) mark.
He’s a perfect complement to Indy’s quick-strike offense, which often pads up a quick lead and forces opponents to pass to catch up. Circumstances that Freeney feeds on.
While the Vikings’ defensive unit does not have the gaudy numbers posted by the Colts and Broncos, there are a couple of factors that tip the scales in Allen’s favor.
The biggest might be his all-round game. While the sack numbers for the three are similar, tackles highlight Allen’s relentless motor.
The Vikings DE has made 34 tackles, compared to 26 for Dumervil and 15 for Freeney. Consider that Dumervil is now playing off the line at LB.
And Allen has forced more fumbles (3), recovered more (2) and scored more points (8 – a TD and a safety) than the other two, and you get a sense of his frenetic impact.
Allen also has the benefit of the Favre factor.
Brett Favre’s two games against the Packers have been two of the most anticipated and watched games of the season. In those games, like a Heisman hopeful autographing signature plays for a national audience, Allen has shown his relentless drive in leading the Vikes to a series sweep.
Allen made 12 tackles, 7.5 sacks and scored a safety. While Favre was the main attraction, Allen became the sidekick that stole the show.
His personality shone through in both affairs. Aside from being on the field for nearly every defensive snap, there wasn’t a minute when Allen didn’t seem to be enjoying the action.
Sure, winning helps, but there’s something Bunyanesque about the 6-foot-6, 270-pound DE. Is he larger than life?
The avid outdorsman has been profiled in Field & Stream about … spear hunting an elk.
Oh yeah, He loves his mullet and sells Sax Machine T-shirts from his website.
How could the voters consider anyone else?
ONE AND A HALF THINGS I THINK
Bud Adams’ installment of Vince Young at QB marks the beginning of the end of Jeff Fisher’s tenure in Tennessee.
When owners start to publicly make lineup substitutions, even if they are the right moves, it means teams are steps closer to collapse.
The coach’s authority has been undermined and now the players, rightfully or wrongfully, realize that there are two directors in the locker room and only one of them signs the cheques.
The coach’s message, however loud, has lost impact and the Titans’ season, which is now not about winning but about gauging Young’s progression as it impacts the team’s financial picture, is done.
PORTABLE QUOTABLES
“It was easy … They kind of had the same formations. They didn’t give us a lot of motions and things. So it was a simple offense to go against.” Texans LB DeMeco Ryans on the Bills offense.
Yikes, consider that one of the final nails in Bills coach Dick Jauron’s coffin.
“I’m not happy about anything … Not happy to get pulled out. Not happy that we lost. Not happy about anybody’ play — my play, nothing. Haven’ been happy.” Browns QB Derek Anderson.
Misery, thy color is Brown. Erie Brown.
“He’s the guy here … I was very disappointed when I came to the sideline and fans were telling him, ‘Throw it to me’ and ‘I’m open’ — this, that and the other. I popped off and said something to the fans… You want to pick on him, all right. He’s not going to say nothing. I’m going to say something.” Center Dominic Raiola on Lions fans and QB Matt Stafford.
Raiola’s protection apparently extends to the sidelines and against all comers.
THE JAMARCUS WATCH
The line: 14-of-22, 109 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
At least Jamarcus Russell made it through Sunday’s 24-16 loss to San Diego.
“He seemed very much to be in control today,” embattled Raiders coach Tom Cable said. “A couple throws he’d probably like to have over again, but for the most part he gave us a chance to win today.”
That’s the beauty of low expectations. A mere 109 passing yards provides a chance to win as much as as drawing a 2 and 8 in Hold’Em.
In other words, there’s a greater chance you’ll lose.
Russell is averaging 5.5 yards per passing attempt this season. A total equalled or surpassed by Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, Frank Gore and Pierre Thomas on each of their rushes. Without the threat of an interception or a sack.
Further, Rusell is on pace for a grand total of 4 passing TDs this season, or what Brett Favre accomplished yesterday.
Chances are, he did win.
RELATED CONTENT
Fantasy standouts and washouts
SUNDAY RECAPS:
Early games: Eagles destroy reeling Giants
Late games: Vince Young, Chris Johnson lead Titans to first win
LAST WEEK ON THE CORNER:
TMCB: Larry Johnson and Twitter, a volatile mix
MMCB: When to pull the plug on a QB drafted No. 1 overall
