Despite Down Year, Jared Allen is Headed Back to the Pro Bowl

Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Allen isn’t putting up the sack numbers this year like he did in 2011. But let’s be honest, a 22-sack pace is hard to duplicate. Allen was never going to touch that mark again. Still, he’s had a solid season. With 10 sacks, he has a chance to finish right on his career average of 13. Outside of the sacks, he’s put a good amount of pressure on the quarterback this year. He’s also been solid in the run game. And he’s doing all this despite battling injury.

So it’s been a good year for Allen by any measure. But has it been a Pro Bowl year? According to the voters, the answer is yes. They’ve seen fit to send Jared back to Hawaii for a fifth time.

Is this one of those reputation picks? Maybe. Are there other deserving candidates who are being passed over? Probably. Will Jared take the contract bonus and the free vacation to Hawaii? I’m guessing the answer is yes.

Truth is though, right now Jared has bigger things on his mind than the Pro Bowl. He’s thinking playoffs. If the Vikes want to make the tournament, Jared will have to fire up the pass rush and get Aaron Rodgers on the ground. You know he’ll be ready to rock on Sunday.

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