Categories: General News
| On 12 years ago

Allen Says Vikings Can “fly below the radar”

By Adam Warwas

Jared Allen seems to be plenty aware of the incredibly low expectations that fans, the media, and analysts have for the Vikings in 2012.  Allen, however, doesn’t seem to think of low expectations as a particularly bad thing.

“I truly don’t know what our expectations are,” Allen said. “That can actually be a good thing. There are no preconceived notions of where you have to get, so you just work your butt off and everybody goes out there and lays it on the line. Everybody is working toward one common goal and that’s to win this game.”

“When we had Brett, you’re expectation goes through the roof that you’re going to make it to the Super Bowl,” Allen continued. “Anything less than that is unsatisfactory. Coming off a 3-13 season, no one expects us to do anything. So, we can fly below the radar and focus on being a solid team and just try to put win after win together.”

I have iterated a number of times that I am genuinely looking forward to watching this young Vikings team play, grow, and improve over the course of the 2012 season.  “Win after win” isn’t a phrase you hear projected very often, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility and it is nice to hear the leader of the defense express it as a possibility.

Adam Warwas

Adam Warwas (Founder) has been writing about the Vikings for a total of eight years. Five of those years have been here at Vikings Territory where he continues to surround himself with enough talented individuals that people keep coming back. As proud as he is of what Vikings Territory has become, his real treasures are in his home... a beautiful wife and three amazing children (and a dog named Percy).

Tags: jared allen

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  • As I mentioned to you up at Tangle Lakes a few weeks ago Adam, I truly feel we are a much better team then most realize. Much will depend on Ponder, if he is the real deal and Fraiser, if he is truly an NFL caliber coach. The rest of the talent is there.
    I believe in Ponder, if he stays healthy but am concerned with Fraiser.
    Let the games begin!

  • Frans,

    Your old pal fragile agrees with you on Ponder. The offense will do only as well as the QB performs. Freds suspects he will be better, but not great this year. Next year will be the telling tale on Ponder. It's fairly normal for a good QB to take a good 3 years to blossom. Freds does think Ponder will be our long term answer however.

    Position for position our defense has more questions than our offense. Our run defense may be decent, but unless our linebackers, corners and safeties improve ALOT, no opposing offense will even have to try and run. There could be a ton of yards given up. Freds expects the short passing game to kill us. Aside from Jerry Allen, Starcap Williams, Brian Robinson and Chad Greenway, every single other defensive player has question marks, most big question marks. Might they end up being a good defense? Maybe, but probably not. We can hope that this year our corners develop and our safeties (at least one) turns out to be good. Next year we draft a game changing linebacker and interior lineman and we are off and running.

    Can't wait for the games to start. Vike 5-11. If Ponder plays outstanding, 7-9. If Purple Charles plays outside linebacker instead of Aaron Henderson, 9-7. If BJohnny marries a Viking cheerleader during the season, 11-5.

  • Freds, what would our record be if we could lure you out of retirement?

    Just learned that Mike Lynn died. Not necessarily a beloved man in Vikings circles, but certainly worthy of respect for some good work for the Purple. Basically perceived as a man who, more than most, looked after himself above all else. Of course the Hershel trade... well, we all make mistakes. Certainly contributes to my massive dislike for the Cowboys.

  • Freds, 'Ol pal, I'm just saying we have a ot of unknowns on the team but from my perspective, too many with a lot of perceived talent, which makes me more optimistic than most of what I am hearing. 5-11?, 6-10??, no way. We'll finish at least 9-7 this year and I wouldn't be surprised at a wild card.
    Again, only if Ponder is the real deal and Fraiser can coach at this level.

    Call me crazy. . ..

    • While the temptation to call you crazy is there, Fran, I will acknowledge that the Vikings are closer to contending than their 3-13 record would indicate. Seldom did they appear over-matched on the field last year, and a few changes in players and performances could quickly elevate their record. Even so, I think 8-8 would have to be considered the best case scenario

  • Call me crazy then, both you guys. All I'm saying is that the talent is there, on both sides.
    Of course I'm fairly use to bitter disappointment for the past 50 years . . .