The New York Giants notched another impressive win on the road as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers convincingly, 26-3 on Sunday. Matched up against one of the NFL's best defenses, the Giants offensive line anchored a balanced attack, accumulating 342 total yards, averaging 4.0 yards per rushing play and 6.9 yards per pass. Eli Manning (Ole Miss) enjoyed consistent protection en route to a 193 yard passing day with zero sacks and only one quarterback hit. Week 6 marks the second time this season that the 4-2 Giants have earned Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award accolades. With Week 3 and Week 6 honors, the Giants offensive line is a strong contender for the fourth annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award.
The Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recognizes the backbone of every NFL team…the offensive line. John Madden, for whom the Award is named, has been praising these unsung heroes for decades and serves as the ambassador for this unique Award, honoring the best Offensive Line in the National Football League. The Award serves to celebrate the loyal teammates in the trenches that most consistently provide the time and protection that is critical to their teammates' and overall team's success.
"The Giants had a tough job last week playing the 49ers at home. They went in there and controlled the line of scrimmage. Eli's protection was perfect," said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach John Madden.
The 2012 Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award winner will be announced during the week of Super Bowl XLVII, which will be played on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans. Past Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recipients include the New Orleans Saints (2009, 2011) and the New England Patriots (2010).
During their stellar play, the Giants offensive line committed zero penalties throughout the game. Starting in the trenches on Sunday for the Giants were tackles Will Beatty (Connecticut) and Sean Locklear (NC State); guards Kevin Boothe (Cornell) and Chris Snee (Boston College); and center David Baas (Michigan). Veteran tackle David Diehl (Illinois), third year guard Mitch Petrus (Arkansas) and second year center Jim Cordle (Ohio State) also made appearances in the game. Ahmad Bradshaw (Marshall) found numerous holes created by his line en route to 116 yards rushing and 1 touchdown on 27 carries. Pat Flaherty, a seasoned offensive line coach with over 13 years of experience in the NFL, serves as the Offensive Line coach for the Giants and is entering his ninth season with the team.
Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 6 were the Washington Redskins (361 total yards, 178 Passing Yards, 183 Rushing Yards, 1 sack allowed, 3 hits on QB), the Detroit Lions (449 total yards, 311 Passing Yards, 138 Rushing Yards, 0 sacks allowed, 4 hits on QB), the New York Jets (351 total yards, 99 Passing Yards, 252 Rushing Yards, 1 sack allowed, 3 hits on QB) ,and the Denver Broncos (366 total yards, 309 passing Yards, 57 Rushing Yards, 0 sacks allowed, 1 hit on QB).
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