Chicago Bears’ Jared Allen Poised For Breakout Game Against His Former Team
By Clyde A. Speller
@ClydeASpeller
Getty Images
Overall, the Chicago Bears have come way short of expectations this season. Many dimensions of their game can be criticized, especially the pass rush. Chicago has a longtime tradition of having a dominant defense, but now they no longer deserve to be mentioned as the “Monsters of the Midway.”
This offseason, the Bears spent a lot of time concentrating on beefing up their pass rush. As a result, they made a big splash by signing defensive end Jared Allen. Unfortunately, Allen hasn’t generated the numbers that Bears fans were expecting, at least sack-wise. Through eight games played, the 11-year veteran has only mustered up 1.5 sacks. Hopefully, lining up across from his former team in Week 11 will change his fortunes.
The Bears will face the Minnesota Vikings this coming weekend. The Vikings have given up the third-most sacks in the NFL so far this season (30). Furthermore, Minnesota’s starting quarterback, rookie Teddy Bridgewater, has been sacked 18 times in the six games that he has played (an average of 3.0 per game).
Facing the team that Allen was a part of for the previous six seasons should automatically motivate the five-time Pro Bowler to be at his best. The fact that the Vikings’ pass protection is one of the worst in the league should give everyone more of a reason to believe that Allen will have his breakout performance of the 2014 season.
Not only should Allen benefit from Minnesota’s porous offensive line, but the rest of Chicago’s defensive front should be rejuvenated as well. The Bears are currently tied for 18th in the league with 20 sacks, and as a unit, they have been in a slump. Over the past two games, Chicago has only one sack (which came from Lamarr Houston in garbage time during a blowout against the New England Patriots). So along with Allen, fellow defensive end Willie Young (who leads the Bears with 7.0 sacks) and the rest of the Bears’ D-line should be licking their chops in great anticipation for Week 11.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller
Top 15 Possible Los Angeles Football Team Names
If Stan Kroenke's team moves out west without the NFL's approval, the league could force the team to leave their Rams' name in St. Louis. Read More
5 Cowboys Who Will Be Released Over the Offseason
The Dallas Cowboy are playing extremely well, but there are some players who should be released over the 2015 offseason. Who are they and why? Read More
5 Franchise Tag Candidates for Philadelphia Eagles
Without too many viable options, here are five possible players the Philadelphia Eagles might look to franchise. Read More
Five Improvements The Indianapolis Colts Must Make
The Indianapolis Colts are still alive in the NFL Playoffs, but it's never too soon to get ready for next year. These five changes will be vital for the Colts' success in 2015. Read More
5 Players Who Could Come Up Big For the Packers
These five little-known players who mostly fly under the radar could come up big for the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Read More
Austin Pettis is Solid Signing for Chargers
The San Diego Chargers recently signed Austin Pettis to a deal and it is a good move for next season. See exactly why here. Read More
5 Changes Jaguars Need to Make for 2015 Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars are already changing offensive coordinators, but what other changes should the team make for the 2015 NFL season? Read More
Christie Will Join Jones At Lambeau Field
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be with Jerry Jones as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional round. Read More
Rex Ryan Likely To Use Marc Trestman As His OC
If Rex Ryan becomes the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, fans can expect to see Marc Trestman back as the offensive coordinator. Read More
5 Areas for Jaguars to Improve Over 2015 Offseason
It's another dreary offseason in sunny Jacksonville. Here are five things the Jacksonville Jaguars must improve to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Read More
Flacco-Harbaugh Just as Good as Brady-Belichick
Looking at the playoff successes for the tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, they actually stack up just as well as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. See why that may actually favor the Ravens. Read More
Dallas Cowboys Needs Fast Start in Green Bay
The key to the Dallas Cowboys coming out of Green Bay with a win is getting off to a fast start, and here's why. Read More