LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- As Chicago Bears defensive end Jared Allen approaches the end of what could be his first season since 2006 in which he didn’t record a sack total in the double digits, the veteran isn’t worried about the perception that he’s underachieved.

While a source within the organization believes Allen is playing the run much better than he has in the past, the Chicago Bears paid the veteran $15.5 million fully guaranteed in a four-year deal back in March to sack quarterbacks.

“People can say whatever they want,” Allen said. “I know what I put on tape. So I could sit here and make excuses, say I got sick, do this, that and the other. It is what it is. I go out every week and whatever I have to do to win… so people can talk. They can say what they want. But I know what goes on tape, and I know I give it my all.”

Allen’s streak of 113 consecutive starts came to a close during a Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers because of a bout with pneumonia. Before that, he missed time in the preseason to attend the birth of his daughter, in addition to sitting out the third preseason game at Seattle because of a bruised shoulder.

Allen’s illness caused the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end to lose 15 pounds, and for the next few weeks he struggled to get back to his normal playing weight.

In 12 games, Allen has contributed five sacks to go with 55 tackles, one pass defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. With three games remaining, there’s a chance Allen could reach a double-digit sack total, but he hasn’t been credited with a full sack since the team’s Nov. 27 loss at Detroit.

“We love him as a player,” defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said. “He does a heck of a job for us. What does he bring to the table? I don’t think we have enough time to even talk about that right now. He’s a very good player for us. He’s been productive.”