Allen not satisfied with last season
OL hopes to rebound from an ankle injury, key position change
Jeff Allen built a strong reputation with the Kansas City Chiefs for his nasty disposition, a brawling, go-for-the-throat approach on the field.
Allen was known for playing to the echo of the whistle, and perhaps a moment beyond in a punishing manner that belied his relatively mild-mannered, friendly personality away from the game.
As much as Allen tried to recapture his old, feisty blocking form last year during his first season with the Texans after signing a five-year, $28 million contract to be their starting right guard, something was missing.
“I wasn’t satisfied,” Allen said this week. “I definitely didn’t play up to my standard.”
Accustomed to playing left guard, Allen had to learn new footwork and become comfortable on the right side.
He dealt with a nagging ankle injury that required minor offseason surgery. Allen was side-
lined with a concussion for two games as he started 14 games during his first season with the Texans.
Allen finished the season ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 72nd guard in the NFL.
Whatever the reasons for his sudden regression as a lineman, Allen didn’t look nearly as aggressive as he did with the Chiefs. He appeared hesitant and unsure at times during a rough season.
It was a frustrating experience for Allen after being brought in as the replacement for Brandon Brooks.
“I feel like it was kind of an up-and-down year,” Allen, 27, said. “Obviously, you have to look in the mirror and try to figure out what you can do better.
“Everybody can do things better. For me personally, every year I try to figure out what I can do better, learn the offense a little bit better, get a little more comfortable in a new position.
“I would say it was more so just being on a new team in a new offense and getting comfortable allaround playing a position I hadn’t played before. It was my first time playing right guard, so I needed to get a good feel for that.”
Instead of resting on the security of a contract that includes $12 million guaranteed with a $5 million signing bonus, Allen is determined to live up to his end of the bargain and get back to the way he played in Kansas City.
Change to better diet
Toward that goal, the Chicago native transformed his diet and training regimen and lost 21 pounds since last season. Allen (6-4, 306) has dramatically changed his approach to his conditioning and is leaner and quicker on the field.
Allen said he played heavier last season.
“I feel good; I lost a few pounds,” Allen said. “I think it will be beneficial for me this season. I’ve done a lot of hard work, a lot of cardio. I changed my diet. I’m eating a little cleaner. I have a better understanding of what I need from my body.
“Especially as I’m getting older, I understand what things can make you better. It was more about the conditioning aspect, just making sure I’m ready to go so I can play a big part.”
A doting husband and father, Allen and his wife, Marissa, a prolific food blogger, welcomed a son, Jeff Jr., in December. They have a daughter named Joy, 2. Marissa is a chef who loves whipping up recipes. During his wife’s pregnancy, Allen gained some weight.
“That could be true,” Allen said with a smile. “She has those late-night cravings and you get a snack for her.”
Increased mobility
With the ankle injury behind him, Allen looked more mobile firing out of his stance during the Texans’ organized team activity practices this week.
Regaining his health is a big factor.
“My ankle feels pretty good,” Allen said. “It was more of a cleanup thing. It was something that had been bothering me for a little while.”
While with the Chiefs, Allen routinely gutted out injuries and was frequently seen limping back to the huddle after plays and rarely coming out of games.
Allen overcame a torn biceps tendon along with a knee injury while playing for the Chiefs.
He started 36 of the 44 games he played for the Chiefs in four seasons, lining up at left guard primarily and occasionally at right tackle.
The Chiefs finished second in the NFL in rushing yards during his final season in Kansas City.
“I think I can do things better than last year,” Allen said. “The way I played in Kansas City, that’s the way I’m used to playing.”
The Texans need Allen to bounce back in a major way after last season when the right side of the line was frequently a target and too easily yielded penetration, leading to running plays disrupted and former starting quarterback Brock Osweiler under pressure.
“Determined, one word for Jeff,” Marissa said. “No one else puts their mind to things like Jeff does. He did things a lot of people told him he wasn’t going to be able to do.
“I’m proud of how determined he was to succeed.”
With right tackle up in the air with Derek Newton out for the season with a pair of torn patellar tendons suffered last season against the Denver Broncos, and Chris Clark, Breno Giacomini and rookie Julie’n Davenport vying for the starting job, it’s imperative Allen solidify the foundation of the line next to them.
Optimistic about year
Allen is encouraged by the progress he’s made and optimistic he’ll have a good season.
“I’m very excited,” Allen said. “I’m looking forward to going out and having a good year.”