When Allen Plays, Future Can Wait : Raiders: Will he remain a Raider? Will the Raiders remain? Former USC star doesn’t fret over unknown factors.

Tailback Marcus Allen of the Raiders was elated as he sprinted off the Coliseum turf after a 16-14 victory over the Phoenix Cardinals Sunday.

He had every reason to celebrate.

After sitting out nine games because of torn ligaments in his right knee, Allen re-emerged against the Cardinals, scoring the game-winning touchdown when he vaulted into the end zone with 40 seconds remaining.

“I was real happy that I was able to come in and score the touchdown because we played a really lousy game today,” Allen said. “We played one of the worst games of the year.

“I’m secure about myself and I know that I can play the game. Unfortunately I got hurt and it took some time to come back. I didn’t try to rush it. I just have to do what I can.”

It wasn’t the first time that Allen had been overjoyed as he ran through the tunnel that leads to the locker room. It was a scene that was repeated many times during his career at USC and during his career with the Raiders.

But was it the last time that Allen, in the final year of his contract, would run out of the Coliseum as a Raider?

“Maybe not, maybe so,” Allen said. “But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I’m not looking into the future. I’m not concerned with it at this point because that’s beyond my control. I think anxiety comes out of trying to control a situation that you can’t control. I’m not going to try to control it, I’m just going to let whatever happens happen.

“I try not to think about what’s going to happen next year. I’m really concerned with helping the team get into the playoffs. I can’t control what’s going to happen next year.”

Allen hasn’t been unable control the adversity he has faced this season.

After missing training camp because of a contract dispute, Allen returned and played well until the injury. While Allen was sidelined, Bo Jackson emerged as the Raiders’ best running back. Allen was activated last week, but didn’t play in a victory over Denver.

Allen got an ovation when he entered the game with 10:29 left in the first quarter. He caught an nine-yard pass and gained three yards on a play in the second quarter. That was the extent of Allen’s action until he was called upon to win the game.

Allen said he was stunned that the Raiders called the dive play for him twice in the final drive in light of his limited playing time.

“I was kind of surprised that they called my number and I’m glad they did,” Allen said. “I just wanted to go over and get the first down first of all and then get the touchdown.”

Two plays before he scored the touchdown, Allen left the field in agony after he was kicked in the groin when he jumped over the line for three yards and a first down to keep the drive alive on fourth and one.

Yet, there was no element of surprise to Allen’s touchdown dive. He has been high jumping into the end zone since he was at USC.

“Teams know you’re going to do it,” Allen said. “You just hope you can outjump those guys.”

And Allen outjumped the Cardinals.

Quarterback Steve Beuerlein, who saw Allen’s touchdown dive unfold, said Allen saved the game for the Raiders.

“Thank God, Marcus Allen got in there like he’s still good at doing,” Beuerlein said. “It was a huge play by Marcus, but that’s what Marcus Allen is all about. Having him out there on certain situations kind of raises everybody to a higher level. But we know that when we get down in this situation, there’s not anybody better who’s ever played the game at going over the top than him and he showed it again today. We loved to see him do that.

“I don’t know of anybody that I’ve ever respected more than Marcus Allen. He’s just a winner. The guy will find the way to get the job done.”

Allen found a way to get the job done Sunday.