National Football League

For Chicago's Jared Allen, switch to 3-4 OLB has been 'fun'

Published Jun. 4, 2015 10:26 a.m. ET

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As a younger pass-rusher, Jared Allen may have been resistant to becoming a 3-4 outside linebacker. Heading into the 2015 season, the 33-year-old Chicago Bear with 134 career sacks as a 4-3 defensive end is embracing it, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.

"I'm having fun with it," Allen told ESPN. "I know it's just OTAs, but being out there and seeing the one-on-one matchups that I've been able to create and the rush angles I've been able to create, so it's kind of broadening my perspective on football. For me it's been a blast and I'm just excited to keep going."

Through 11 NFL seasons, Allen has been a partial pass-rusher, ignorant to the intricacies of the 3-4 defense. At least he is willing to admit his own lack of exposure to the scheme.

"I didn't know anything about it [playing OLB]," Allen said, per ESPN, "I obviously do love the traditional [4-3 defensive end role]. I played in a Tampa 2 defense my entire career, so there is a part of me that absolutely loves putting my hand in the dirt and that individual matchup with the left tackle in run or pass, or with the tight end. But this as a football player is fun, it really is -- the different styles of matchups you get and some of the one-on-one rushes it creates are really fun. Ultimately, it's kind of the same stuff, but later in my career it's easier on my body because I'm not technically banging every single day."

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports