Allen piles on to trend of bashing Rodgers

The Packers QB started the game with a league-high 12 sacks. The Vikings, and Jared Allen, tacked on eight more.
By CHIP SCOGGINSascoggins@startribune.com, Star Tribune
Last update: October 6, 2009 - 12:49 AM

Jared Allen did his best to be diplomatic and say all the right things about the Green Bay Packers offensive line leading up to Monday night's game, but the Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end and his linemates privately had to know that they had a decided advantage.
The Packers line has been a complete mess this season because of injuries and ineffective play, leading to a league-high 12 sacks allowed against quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It didn't take long for the Vikings to expose that weakness.
Led by Allen's relentless effort, the Vikings kept the heat on Rodgers all game in a 30-23 victory at the Metrodome.
Rodgers was sacked eight times, including a career-high 4 1/2 by Allen, who also forced one fumble, had seven tackles, collected a safety and racked up five quarterback hurries. Afterward, Allen joked that he wants that extra half-sack back.
"I'm pretty sure it was five," he said, laughing. "When you hit the guy first and you force the fumble, I think they're going to give it to you."
Rodgers still finished with 384 passing yards despite being constantly harassed. But the Vikings offset those numbers with turnovers, pressure and a huge goal-line stand late in the third quarter. And a lot of Allen.
The defensive end punctuated his dominating performance with a sack/safety midway through the fourth quarter.
Allen tackled Rodgers in the end zone, but the officials initially ruled that the Packers quarterback fumbled at the 1. Then replays showed that Rodgers' knee was down in the end zone first, giving Allen a safety.
"Jared made them pay and cashed the checks," defensive tackle Kevin Williams said. "We all got some push, but he got all the sacks."