Jared

Allen

Eli Manning was not elected in his first year on the ballot. Gates is widely viewed as one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the sport, and finished his career with 955 receptions and 116 receiving touchdowns. Sharpe — brother of tight end Shannon Sharpe — was dominant before his career ended short due to a neck injury, retiring after amassing 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns in 112 starts. Jared Allen was a four-time first-team All-Pro for the Chiefs and Vikings, leading the league in sacks twice and becoming one of three players (with T.J. Watt and Justin Houston) to notch 22 or more sacks in a season since 2001. Eric Allen was a stalwart corner for the Eagles, Raiders, and Saints. His 54 interceptions are tied for 21st in NFL history, and he had eight career pick-sixes.

Despite limited snaps, Allen leads all NFL rookies with four sacks. He sacked Michael Vick twice last week.

After one terrible preseason game, Kansas City’s defense is already in panic. Allen led the Chiefs in sacks as a rookie, but the team says this move is indefinite. Jimmy Wilkerson has been promoted.

Allen has declining sack numbers the last three seasons and would ideally be used as a situational pass rusher, but could be brought in as an every-down starter if the Raiders fail to re-sign free agent Lamarr Houston. The Bucs and Denver have also been linked to Allen.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders were offering $9 million per season to join their revamped defensive line. He chose to accept a deal from the Bears that is for four years and $32 million on paper, but just two years and $15.5 million in reality. It’s still more than Seattle offered. In the end, 31-year-old Allen chose the best combination of money and chance to win a Super Bowl.

Allen is pinning his ears back and rushing with a visor as the Vikes have a 31-10 lead in the fourth quarter.

Allen now has 105 sacks in his 125 career games and has at least 11 sacks in five straight seasons. Still, Allen was frustrated that he didn’t get the record. “It’s like being runner-up at the prom,” Allen said. “The crown just doesn’t mean as much.” He’s under contract in Minnesota through 2013.

Barwin and rookie Brooks Reed kept the pressure on opposing passers even with Mario Williams out for the season. “He’s been exceptional,” coach Gary Kubiak said of Barwin. ... Connor has got a brilliant future ahead of him ... he’s been a big, big leader on our football team and we’re all very proud of him.”

Allen is one of 27 players that now have 100 career sacks. Colts DE Dwight Freeney also eclipsed the milestone on Sunday. Allen, who leads the league with 17 1/2 sacks this season, is within striking distance of Michael Strahan’s single-season record. Strahan recorded 22 1/2 in 2001.

Allen annually plays more than 90 percent of the defensive snaps with a relentless motor, so we’re not sure why the Vikings would want to slow him down. He racked up 22 sacks last year and just turned 30 years old in April. Once the chips are down, the Vikings figure to give Allen his usual reps.