Chicago Bears: 10 Most Important Players for 2015

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5. Jared Allen

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jared Allen (69) after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Allen had a bad year; there is no way to sugar coat it. Considering all the hype that surrounded him becoming a member of the Bears, he didn’t show up.

Often he was M.I A.

Perhaps, it was due to the play calling or all the drama that went on last year, either way it wasn’t a good look for a player of his caliber. Allen had 5.5 sacks, a total that didn’t come close to resembling the player that he had been for the Minnesota Vikings.

In 2014, it looked like he lost a step. Allen has to bring his A-game this year because at 33 years old father time is not on his side, and this might be his last shot at winning it all. It’s time for him to go back to being the relentless defensive player fans had come to love. As one of the most experienced players on defense, everyone feeds off Allen’s intensity.

He has to be the leader this year on the field and in the locker room to help carry them to the next level. It will be interesting to see how the 12-year veteran will adjust to Vic Fangio’s defensive schemes.

Hopefully, the adjustments lead to more one-handed sacks and the terrorizing of quarterbacks.

Next: 4. Pay the Man His Money!