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Losing a Pro Bowl left tackle for the season should be a devastating blow to an offense.

The Rams weren't the same when Orlando Pace would get hurt, and the Seahawks offense has struggled to recover from Walter Jones' recent injury problems. So when the Saints lost Jamaal Brown before the 2009 season even started, there was legitimate worry throughout Who Dat nation.

Enter Jermon Bushrod.

The massive 6'5, 315-pound third-year player has ably filled Brown's shoes. According to SI's Peter King, Bushrod didn't allow a single pressure from Osi Umenyiora in New Orleans' win over the Giants Sunday. The guys at FootballOutsiders think Bushrod is arguably playing better than Brown did.

Bushrod, his unheralded teammates, and Drew Brees' quick release have all helped keep the Saints MVP candidate upright all season. Brees has been sacked only four times.

"The offensive line has been awesome," Brees said. "Look at what they've done protecting me the last few years, and now you throw in the balance of the running game. It's a direct correlation how that front five is playing for us."

Bushrod is playing so well, perhaps he'll keep the job. Brown is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Linkback: Bushrod making a name for himself | ProFootballTalk.com

Euphoria

AWESOME JOB against the Giants thats for sure!!!

D_it_up

I think Bushrod has made the decision to re-sign or not re-sign Brown after the season easier. He has been outstanding. Brown could have found his way out of New Orleans.

Crusader

Or to the RT position. But there we have Stinchcomb performing well so... But I'd rather see us resigning Brown and trading him down the line.

foreverfan

How long is Brown signed for? He'd make good trade bait.

MatthewT

Brown is in the last year of his contract, probably won't be back.

SmashMouth

Before the server crashed, there was a thread or two on this...... many of you were skeptical on how well he would perform. While Brown was good, I, for one, do not miss all of the holding calls we used to get when Brown was in there. Can Brown play center when he returns? Perhaps he can backup our entire OLine. Or trade him for a star DT or LB.

Cruize

It's a simple choice. Let Brown go. He's not a great player who now has serious injury concerns and is looking for a big payday. Bushrod has more than proven he can do the job. The Saints seem beter in the run game without Brown. Plus, Strief can handle the job as well. And for of the ones who say "Bushrod always gets help." Yes, he gets help. As do all LT's against the better LE's in the league. And percentage wise, yes, he may get more help than an established veteran. Partly due to his inexperience and partly because of how opposing defensive coordinators may try to attack him as the possible weak link on the line. But, to me, he has shown no reason why he can't handle the job so far.

leilung

I was wondering when someone was going to address this guy's play. Bottom line: without protection, Brees can't be Brees and he's been a WALL on the left side.

And has anyone noticed the holes our RB's are getting on rushing? Outstanding thus far.

papz

No need to jump the gun on both Brown and Bushrod. What we know is that Brown has been a multiple ProBowler at LT and that Bushrod has filled in nicely in his absence. No need to throw Brown under the bus and we've only had a handful of games to evaluate Bushrod. The amount of Brown's so called holding call are also overblown. Though his performance has been very encouraging, I'm not ready to call him our LT of the future.