I've always believed Alvin was still on par. He probably doesn't have quite the leg drive he did on younger legs, but he's still got his unworldly balance and he was never a speed merchant. He's also incredibly smart for a RB in how he see's defenses which makes him dangerous in the passing game on option routes. In fact, food for thought.
Last year, Juwan Johnson was supposed to take the next step, and that revolved around him being utilized w/ more option routes. Remember, Carr was supposed to be friendly to TE's. Last year, Juwan didn't take that step.
So here's a curious question. Why was Juwan Johnson the target on an option route on that final play and not Kamara? We could look at our OC and say perhaps bad playcall and yet I've got to think the HC maybe say something like "give me somethign to Kamara here" and Kubiak under the guidance of his HC makes the call right?
IDK, lots of questions, not a lot of answers. Allen wasn't good enough and that's all it boils down to.