Minnesota Vikings Week 8: Jared Allen Named NFC Defensive Player of the Month

Last year, Jared Allen fans grumbled and pouted over his performance on the field—or really, his lack thereof.

Had married life dulled his edge? Was Allen a modern-day Samson, losing his athletic abilities along with his mullet? Nobody really knew, and nobody really cared.

We just wanted him back.

Well, Vikings fans, our collective wish came true.

The DE continues to gain momentum as the season rolls along, and it's paying off. His October stats earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors.

Last year, Allen wrapped up the season with 11 total sacks and a single forced fumble. This season, he has tallied 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles—and it's only Week 8. 

In October alone, the redneck out of Idaho State accrued eight sacks, two forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and 24 tackles.

FS North reporter Brian Hall weighed in:

"Allen has led with his words and actions this season. He has been vocal in encouraging his teammates, and he's putting together one of the best seasons by a pass-rusher in NFL history."

Allen has now collected a quarterback sack in 10 consecutive games, establishing a new Vikings record. According to thedailynorseman.com, he also shows potential to beat Michael Strahan's record of sacks in a single season (Strahan has 22.5).

So what does Allen have to say about breaking records?

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"That's probably the furthest thing from my mind," Allen said earlier this season. "As a player, that's always something you want to attain, but really the goal right now is just trying to get wins.

"I just try and go out there each week and have fun and take it for what it is and try to help my team win. At the end of the year, it will work itself out one way or the other, but I have a long way to go."

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This marks the first time a Viking has taken home this award since Darren Sharper in 2005. Over the past five years, the Vikings have struggled off and on defensively. Despite Minnesota's current record, Allen's talent cannot be ignored.

"Obviously Jared, at this point, should be Defensive Player of the Year even though we are 2-6," said Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway. "But we hope that he continues that and we can all come along and continue to press."