Sent to us from a fan… not sure where it was posted.
Powerful Pass Protection and Run Blocking Puts Saints’ O-Line in Contention for a Second Shot at Madden MVP Award Presented By Prilosec OTC
CINCINNATI, OH (October 20, 2010) – Playing their most complete game of the season, the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints picked up a season-high 475 yards of total offense, including a season-best 212 yards on the ground on their way to a 31-6 victory over Tampa Bay. By doing so, the Saints offensive line has joined this year’s list of contenders for the 2nd Annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award, presented by Prilosec OTC. The award honors the NFL’s best offensive line and will be presented during the week of Super Bowl XLV which will be played on February 6, 2011 in North Texas. Last year, the Saints offensive line was the first-ever winner of the award.
The Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recognizes the fundamental role offensive linemen play in their teams’ success by providing consistent and reliable protection day in and day out, just as Prilosec OTC provides 24-hour heartburn protection when used as directed. For more information on the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC, visit http://www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com.
Undrafted rookie running back CHRIS IVORY (Tiffin) filling in for the injured REGGIE BUSH (Southern California) and PIERRE THOMAS (Illinois) rushed for a season best 158 yards. Quarterback DREW BREES (Purdue) threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns, while completing passes to 10 different targets. The 158 rushing yards represented the most yards by a New Orleans running back since DEUCE McALLISTER (Mississippi) ran for 165 yards on November 30, 2003 at Washington.
Providing the powerful protection up front for the Saints this season are tackles JERMON BUSHROD (Towson) and JON STINCHCOMB (Georgia), guards JAHRI EVANS (Bloomsburg) and CARL NICKS (Nebraska) provide the interior blocking while JONATHAN GOODWIN (Michigan) handles the center position. Nineteen-year coaching veteran AARON KROMER is now in his third season as the Saints’ offensive line coach and has helped develop the skills of several Pro Bowl blockers during his time in New Orleans, including three Pro Bowlers in 2010 (Evans, Goodwin and Stinchcomb).
The New Orleans O-line was dominant from the start as the Saints scored points on their first three possessions and led 17-0 at the half. Brees, who was not sacked the entire game, reaped the benefits of a strong running game and methodically picked apart the Tampa Bay secondary completing 21 of his 32 passes, while converting nine of 12 third-down attempts.
“The Saints offensive line performance Sunday reminded me of how well that group played together last season leading the team to the Super Bowl,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN. “Yesterday, New Orleans protection up front was exceptional, leading the way for a punishing ground game and not allowing a sack.”
Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 6 of the season included the MIAMI DOLPHINS (381 total net yards including 150 yards rushing and 231 net yards passing), PITTSBURGH STEELERS (257 yards passing and 121 yards on the ground), and the SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (353 total net yards including 242 yards passing while not allowing a sack).
NFL fans who want powerful 24-hour protection against frequent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs two or more days a week, can take a 14-day course of Prilosec OTC to maximize game day fun.
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