2 Months Chicago Bears Comment

Bears re-signed exclusive rights free agent RB Armando Allen.

A former undrafted free agent, Allen will compete for a change-of-pace role behind Matt Forte and Michael Bush. He'll collect $480,000 if he makes the 53-man roster.

2 Months Chicago Bears Comment

Bears tendered exclusive rights free agent RB Armando Allen.

He'll collect $480,000, if he makes the 53-man roster. A former undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame, Allen is a 24-year-old scatback and special teamer.

9 Months Chicago Bears Comment

Bears released RB Armando Allen.

Lorenzo Booker will be the No. 3 back behind Matt Forte and Michael Bush.

9 Months Chicago Bears Comment

Armando Allen and Lorenzo Booker are battling for the Bears' No. 3 RB spot.

With Kahlil Bell now out of the mix, it's a two-man race for the right to caddy behind Matt Forte and Michael Bush. Allen is five years younger but Booker brings 36 games of NFL experience.

12/26/2011 Chicago Bears Comment

Armando Allen rushed 11 times for 40 yards in Chicago's Week 16 loss to the Packers.

Making his NFL debut after being signed off the practice squad last Monday, Allen had an impressive night, pinballing off tacklers as he showed good burst up the middle. Like starter Kahlil Bell, Allen benefitted from some excellent blocking by the Bears' offensive line, but certainly looked like a player who could challenge for a roster spot next summer.

Lots of buzz going on this week with respect to weather this week. Yes, the weather outside is frightful but the ground game is so delightful. As the winter chill takes over this week, teams will get more and more conservative in play calling. Some teams I'd say benefit from playing in the cold weather. One of these teams is the Denver Broncos who center around running the ball. This week you find the Broncos @ Bills. Buffalo's defense has given up 32.0 points per game during the losing stretch. The Bills allowed a season-high 254 rushing yards against the Dolphins last weekend. I would not hesitate to start any of the horses in Denver which includes Tim Tebow, Willis McGahee, and Lance Ball.

Ball really showed a burst last week that I had not noticed and while McGahee

remains the back who gets the bulk of the workload, Ball certainly has made the most of his recent opportunities.

Temperature in this game will be below freezing and with a system on its way, This could be a turnover rich and low scoring affair. C.J. Spiller owners have been pleasantly surprised as to the production. I think he makes an okay play again this week. Do yourself a favor and avoid any kickers in this one. The cold does strange things to non football players. This is hardly a week to fool with mother nature.

I'm sure you have all played in the snow at one point in your life. Running the football successfully is all about balance and the short choppy steps ala Keith Byars. Those of you that watched the former Miami Dolphin great understand the reference and running style.

Playing in the rain is however a much different animal altogether. Look at the rain this weekend in Seattle as the 49ers try to outlast the Seahawks. When I say outlast, I mean this could be ugly as the weather forecast is chance of rain. I'm not suggesting that teams aren't used to rain, but it sure has an effect on turnovers and footing. My advice is read the box score the day after unless your television only gets one ball game. There is a lot to be said for the afternoon nap. You probably are going to be up late wrapping gifts.

The most exciting news this week is that Josh McCown will be at the helm of the Chicago Bears. Khalil Bell will be the starting ball carrier. Neither one of these guys would have ever been drafted in any league. I say bring on the scrubs. As long as we are at it, let's get a look at rookie running back Armando Allen. Allen is fifth all time in Notre Dame history with 4,337 all...

12/19/2011 Chicago Bears Comment

Bears signed RB Armando Allen and LB Thaddeus Gibson from their practice squad.

Undrafted out of Notre Dame, Allen rushed for 28 yards on eight preseason carries with the Bucs. He'll add depth behind Kahlil Bell and Marion Barber while Gibson pitches in on special teams.

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