Where was Brett Favre when Jared Allen needed him?
The Vikings' defensive end had 3.5 sacks in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the Bears to finish the season with 22, just a measly half-sack shy of Michael Strahan's NFL single-season record of 22.5, set with the Giants in 2001.
"It's like being runner-up at the prom," Allen said, according to The Associated Press. "The crown just doesn't weigh as much."
The worst part about it? Allen couldn't reach the record, despite having more than a quarter to do so. It didn't help that the Bears committed to the ground game and gave left tackle J'Marcus Webb a little extra help down the stretch.
Not cool, Lovie Smith (or Mike Martz). Not cool.
"After I got the last sack," Allen said, "the next thing I know, they started bringing two tight ends and a tackle (to block me)."
This is where Favre could've come into play because, much like he took a dive to give Strahan the record, Allen could've used a similar assist from Bears quarterback Luke McCown. Unfortunately, McCown didn't abide.
At least Allen broke Chris Doleman's franchise record of 21 sacks, set in 1989. That's nothing to scoff at.
"This organization has a history of dominant defensive lineman," Allen said. "To be at the top of that is a true honor.
