One of the best potential matchups Sunday features Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen vs. Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas.
Allen is one of the NFL's premier pass rushers. Thomas, the third overall pick in 2007, has made the Pro Bowl each of his first two seasons.
"He's a good player, athletic," Allen said. "But I don't worry about that. If I play my game, I'll be all right. I like to think what challenges I pose for other people, not vice versa. But he's good. It's fun. I would rather play against good players. We'll have a nice little battle and see who wins."
Allen said he adjusts his own plan of attack depending on the strengths of the player he's facing each week.
"I know my strengths and I work off those," he said. "But each game has a different game plan. No two players are the same. We're like a bunch of zebras running around here. No one has the same stripes right? But it all depends. Everyone's technique is a little different so you adjust your technique to that person."
Allen was asked which tackles he's had the best one-on-one battles with over his career.
"Me and [Chad] Clifton up in Green Bay have had some good battles," he said.
Someone then asked Allen about Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Allen had a memorable performance against McKinnie and the Vikings as a member of the Chiefs in 2007 after returning from a two-game suspension. Allen finished the game with two sacks, a forced fumble, three quarterback hurries and nine tackles.
