Jared Allen News

Minneapolis Can you blame Brett Favre for backsliding and again coming out of retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings this year? What quarterback in his right mind would not want to play in the same backfield with a special talent like Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who has made the 40-year-old quarterback's job much easier in his ...

Jared Allen's monstrous year rushing the quarterback and Darren Sharper's penchant for returning interceptions for touchdowns have put those two defensive standouts in the national spotlight.

The Detroit Lions came out of the 27-10 loss at Minnesota with several injuries.

The tough-guy charm of Vikings defensive lineman Jared Allen that plays out in a recently released professional video has won him a long-distance admirer in a fellow NFL player.

At the end of September, the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers already were being written off.

But even Edwards was surprised by the Detroit Lions ' initial plan, which called for a fullback and tight end to block him one on one.

No sacks. But, as usual, he applied pressure on the opposing quarterback. And he appeared to come up with a fumble recovery in the third quarter, though officials ruled the ball was touched out of bounds.

He's playing the best Football of his career with a team he never wanted to join.

How do you stop Vikings defensive end Jared Allen? "Probably shoot him," said Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who once coached him in Kansas City.

Adrian Peterson became the first Vikings running back to lead the NFL in rushing last season with 1,760 yards.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield celebrates after intercepting a pass at the MN 23 in the second quarter, as the Vikings defeat the Green Bay Packers 30-23 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on October 5, 2009 .

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and kick returner Percy Harvin were selected to both the midseason All-Pro teams named this week by Pro Football Weekly and Sports Illustrated.

When Jared Allen led the NFL with 10.5 sacks at the midway point of the season, it was clear to see from his enthusiasm on the field that the Minnesota Vikings pro bowl defensive end is happy to have his hands full.

The Vikings are off to their best start since the 2000 season, when they reached the NFC championship game.

With every team either already at the midway point of the season or arriving there this weekend, here are your leaders for some individual awards, both real and manufactured: Most valuable player - Brett Favre, Minnesota.

Allen's No. 41 also will be retired. The Vikings have a bye week, and school officials say Allen will be at the game.

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 4:12 PM Stu is counting on this being long enough ago that we can all laugh.

Now Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen has to show he can get sacks against somebody other than the Green Bay Packers.

Jared Allen is a relentless competitor, but this is one list he might not want to be number one on.

Since the Vikings acquired Jared Allen in a trade before last season, fellow defensive end Brian Robison has learned plenty from the NFL's most prolific pass rusher since 2004: How to read keys.