CINCINNATI - The Saints offensive line has been selected as the winner of the 2011 Madden Protectors Award, presented by Prilosec OTC®. Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN and Prilosec OTC presented the award, which honors the NFL’s best offensive line, during a press event in Indianapolis earlier today.
Accepting the trophy on behalf of the New Orleans Saints were offensive linemen 
“It’s a consolation prize this week because we would all like to be playing in the Super Bowl but it’s nice to be recognized,” said Strief. “It’s cool to come out here and be a part of this.”
As a proud seven-year sponsor of the NFL, Prilosec OTC presents the Madden Protectors Award to recognize the fundamental role offensive linemen play in their teams’ success by providing reliable protection on game day, just as Prilosec OTC can provide 24-hour heartburn protection when used as directed.* The selection process was based on a number of measures including offensive line statistics – sacks allowed, rushing and passing yardage, time of possession, O-line penalties, 3rd and 4th down conversion percentages, red zone scoring conversions, fan voting plus Madden’s own personal observations throughout the season.
The Saints players providing the powerful protection throughout the season were tackles Zach Strief, Northwestern and Jermon Bushrod, Towson; guards Carl Nicks, Nebraska and Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg; and center Brian De La Puente, California. Adding depth on the offensive line were,
“The offensive line doesn’t always catch the fans’ attention, so Prilosec OTC and I created this award to recognize the guys who provide the critical run blocking and pass protection,” said John Madden. “All season long, these five guys proved they had the mental and physical toughness that enabled the Saints offense to put up big numbers on the ground and in the air.”
Throughout the regular season, Coach Madden closely tracked the top offensive lines in the NFL and narrowed the field of contenders to five (5) finalists: the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and the New England Patriots.
Contributing to their Madden Protectors Award win, the New Orleans Saints offensive line provided reliable run blocking and powerful pass protection for the top-ranked offense in the NFL. The Saints led the league in yards per game (467.1) and ranked 2nd in sacks allowed (24 sacks). They also ranked 1st in total passing yards on the season (5,347), 6th in total rushing yards (2127), and finished 2nd in total points scored on the season (547).
Weighing 102 pounds, the Madden Protectors Award trophy is the heaviest trophy in NFL and serves as attribute to the NFL’s best offensive line.
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