What we know about Dennis Allen

Of all the candidates mentioned as possible options for the Eagles' defensive coordinator opening, Dennis Allen is the one we know the least about.

The Eagles have been granted permission to speak with Allen, according to multiple reports.

Allen served as the Saints' assistant defensive line coach in 2006 and 2007 before taking over as defensive backs coach the past three seasons.

He previously worked on the staffs of the Atlanta Falcons, Tulsa and Texas A&M. He played safety for Texas A&M from 1992-95 and is much younger/less experienced than the other candidates that the Eagles have been linked to.

So how has the Saints' secondary performed the last three seasons under Allen's direction?

New Orleans finished fourth in pass defense in 2010 after finishing 23rd and 26th in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Last season, opposing QBs had a rating of 83.2 against New Orleans (15th). And the Saints managed just nine interceptions, a league low. They gave up 42 pass plays of 20 yards or more, which were eighth-fewest.

In 2009, the Saints limited opposing QBs to a rating of 68.6 - third-best in the NFL. The Saints had 26 interceptions, third-best also. And they allowed 48 plays of 20 yards or more - 12th-most.

And, finally, in 2008, opposing QBs had a rating of 80.3 (14th). The Saints had 15 interceptions (11th) and allowed 53 plays of 20 yards or more (30th).

Earlier Wednesday, I posted a roundup of what people are saying about the Eagles' hiring of Jim Washburn as defensive line coach.

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