Zach Strief of the New Orleans Saints accepts the Madden Protectors Award. (AJ Mast/AP Images for OTC Prilosec)

What’s one secret to a quarterback’s success? A great offensive line! An offensive line is made up of two guards, two tackles, and a center. Its job is to protect the quarterback and block for running backs.

The New Orleans Saints’ offensive line won the Madden Protectors Award on Wednesday, February 1. Tackles Zach Strief and Jermon Bushrod, guards Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans, and center Brian de la Puente accepted the prize.

Those players helped their team move the ball an average of 467.1 yards per game this past season. That was the more than any other team. Their protection also helped the Saints score 547 points, the second most points in the National Football League this season.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach John Madden presented the award. “All season long, these five guys proved they had the mental and physical toughness that enabled the Saints offense to put up big numbers,” he said.

The players were honored to have their efforts recognized. “It’s the only position on the field that you get contact every play,” Evans explained.

From left, Saints players Zach Strief, Jahri Evans, Brian de la Puente,
Carl Nicks, and Jermon Bushrod hold their prize. (Laura Anastasia/Weekly Reader)
 

The Madden Protectors Award is the heaviest NFL trophy, weighing
in at 102 pounds. (Laura Anastasia/Weekly Reader)
 

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©2012 Weekly Reader Corporation. Published February 2, 2012