When the Vikings went to three of their Super Bowls in the 1970s, they had a record setting quarterback in Fran Tarkenton and a dominant defensive line including perhaps the NFL’s best pass rusher in tackle Alan Page. This year’s franchise model (now 6-0) is made of similar stuff with players such as record setting quarterback Brett Favre and linemen Jared Allen, Pat and Kevin Williams, and Ray Edwards.
Coming into this season Allen had the most sacks in the NFL since 2004 with 57.5. Former Vikings assistant coach Dean Dalton was asked if Allen, who is first in the NFC at 7.5 sacks per game and third in the NFL, is the league’s best pass rusher. “I think so,” Dalton said. “But what makes him so great is Pat Williams is so dominant on the inside, Kevin Williams is so dominant on the inside, and Ray Edwards is a little unheralded because he brings consistent pressure, too.”
Allen, 27, is a colorful character who loves to simulate a rodeo calf tie-up after making a sack. He has athleticism including quick feet, and a ferocious will to sack passers and stop ball carriers.
Dalton values him as both a run stopper and pass rusher. Where does Allen rank among the top all around defensive ends? “I think right now he’s one of the best defensive players in the league, and so therefore he’s probably one of the top defensive ends for sure,” Dalton said.
Dalton likes how the Vikings defensive coordinator has used Allen including moving him around in the Green Bay game earlier this month and creating match up problems for the Packers offensive line. “Leslie Frazier has done a great job of scheming to try to get him into some one-on-one match ups, because one-on-one he’s virtually unstoppable,” Dalton said.
Allen isn’t a bad cheerleader, either. He’s frequently waving a hand prior to a play, encouraging the Metrodome crowd to increase the noise.