NFL.com categorized defensive ends throughout the NFL into groups and Jared Allen’s name isn’t found among the best in the game.
TOP SHELF: J.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan, DeMarcus Ware, Cameron Wake, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Justin Smith.
THE NEXT LEVEL: Calais Campbell, Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy, Julius Peppers, and Jared Allen.
The list defined Allen, along with Julius Peppers of the Bears, as part of the “over-30 crowd,” adding that Allen and Peppers “have fallen short of the difference-making level this season.”
Allen has posted dismal ratings in two of five games, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Vikings defense has allowed a dismal 31.6 points per game this season. Allen is hoping to change that starting Monday night against the Giants.
“At least we messed up the front half of the season,” Allen told the Pioneer Press. “It’d be terrible if this was in December and we had a chance to go to the playoffs. So we have a chance to rebound … I fully expect to see a completely different defense on the field on Monday night. I know I’m excited to get out there, and I know everybody else is.”
Vikings left defensive end Brian Robison made it in the fourth tier group called SOLID STARTERS.
