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Jared Allen is the NFC defensive player of the month

Packers' Rodgers is sacked by Vikings' Allen during the first half of their NFL football game in Minneapolis

Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings’ defensive end Jared Allen (top) during the first half of their NFL football game in Minneapolis, October 23, 2011. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

REUTERS

There haven’t been many reasons for folks in Minnesota to celebrate this year. But Vikings fans could be witnessing the greatest single season by any defensive lineman in league history.

Defensive end Jared Allen has 12.5 sacks in eight games. For his efforts during five games in October, he has been named the NFC defensive player of the month.

He’s the first Vikings player to win the monthly award since safety Darren Sharper in October 2005.

Allen also has set a team record by notching a sack in 10 straight games. He needs 10 sacks in the team’s final eight games to tie Michael Strahan’s single-season record of 22.5, set in 2001.