Well, it certainly shouldn't come as a huge surprise, but defensive end Jared Allen was voted by you, the people, as the recipient of this week's Samsung Game Ball of the Week for his performance in the Vikings' 26-23 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions.

It appears that the rumors this past off-season of Jared Allen's demise were greatly exaggerated, as he has played some outstanding football in the first three games of this season. This past Sunday might have been his best, as #69 spent the majority of the afternoon scaring the holy hell of out Lions' offensive tackle Jeff Backus. For the day, Allen registered three sacks, a forced fumbles, and five tackles total. He also caused Backus to false start on consecutive plays on the last Detroit possession of regulation, backing the Lions up to the shadow of their own goal posts.

Through 3 games this season, the "washed-up" Allen. . .really, how dumb do all those people sound right now. . .is tied for second in the NFL lead in sacks with Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants, just one-half sack behind Dallas' DeMarcus Ware for the NFL lead. He has also been outstanding against the run, and even flashed some coverage skills with an interception covering a wheel route in the season opener against San Diego.

With 810 votes cast, Allen took home 654 of them (80.7%) for the landslide victory. Cornerback/punt returner Marcus Sherels finished in second with 105 votes (13.0%), with wide receiver Michael Jenkins coming in third with 31 votes (3.8%). The rest of the votes wound up in the "other" category.

Congratulations to Jared Allen for your selection as the Game Ball of the Week award winner for Week Three!