 Before the 2003 season, both Jason Whittle and Mike Rosenthal left the Giants via free agency, leaving two starting positions open on the offensive line.By the start of the Giants' pre-season minicamp, Allen was considered the favorite to start at right tackle, but he remained in competition with four other players for the two starting roles.The newly constructed right side of the offensive line played poorly in the first preseason game against the New England Patriots, but Allen showed enough improvement the following week against the Carolina Panthers to be named the starter going into the regular season.