Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, the splashy offseason move that the Vikings made in 2008 in an effort to improve the team’s fortunes, delivered in a big way on Monday night in a 30-23 win over the Packers.
Allen registered 4.5 sacks, a career high. He also forced a fumble, and recovered it. And he sacked Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the end zone in the second half for a safety.
Said Favre during his post-game press conference, “Jared Allen’s a beast, man. That guy’s good.”
The relentless effort almost overshadowed the performance of Favre, who completed 24 of 31 passes for 271 yards and three scores.
Almost.
Because the story of the night was Favre, who finally got a chance to prove to the Packers that he can still play.
For the season, Favre has eight touchdown passes and only one interception. And, more importantly to Favre, the Vikings are now 4-0. They travel to St. Louis in Week Five before a facing a tough two-pack of games against the Ravens and Steelers of the AFC North.
Then comes a trip to Lambeau Field for the second half of the Brett Favre Non-Revenge Revenge Tour.
So while the next four games will be a lot tougher than the first four, the Vikings are moving in the right direction.
The Packers enter their bye week at 2-2, and they play the Lions and Browns before getting another shot at Favre.