Chicago Bears 2014 Outlook: Five Key Players On Defense
Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Allen is probably the biggest free agency signing the Bears made this offseason. He is a future hall of famer who is looking for a ring. He is entering his 11th season, and he feel re-energized. He believes in the message Marc Trestman is delivering.
The Bears completely revamped the defense. Allen’s signing, though, was what wrapped everything together in a nice bow.
The other players on the line will look up to Allen. He has the resume and the personality to have that effect. He is a non-stop rushing machine who, like the Terminator, just keeps coming at you. His attitude for the game is infectious, and the line will go all out just to keep up with Allen.
Just having Allen on one end is going to help Houston, who will man the other end. Allen is still good enough to command a double team, so that will free up Houston to get some sacks of his own. Brian Robison manned the opposite end position during Allen’s last three seasons with Minnesota. He was able to tally 25 1/2 sacks in those three seasons. It is the Allen Effect.
Allen is just as important to the defensive line as Lance Briggs is to the linebacker corps.
If Allen can continue his great play, he could lead this defensive unit to great heights this season.