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The New Orleans Saints offensive line was honored Monday with the inaugural Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award for its performance in their Super Bowl-winning season in 2009.

"The Saints offensive line was a model of consistency the entire 2009 season and established the foundation for the best offense in the NFL," John Madden said in a letter announcing the award.

The offensive line, featuring starting tackles Jon Stinchcomb and Jermon Bushrod, guards Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks and center Jonathan Goodwin, protected a Saints offense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL overall, points per game (31.9) and average yards (403.8). They finished No. 4 in passing yards per game (272.2) and sacks allowed (20) and No. 6 in rushing yards per game (131.6).

Each offensive lineman received an advance copy of the Madden NFL 2011 video game, featuring quarterback Drew Brees on the cover. The game will be released Aug. 10 in New Orleans in an event called "Madden Gras."

"Obviously there's no way I'd be on the cover of this thing if it wasn't for these guys standing in front of me protecting me," Brees said. "I'm glad I'm on their side."The offensive line, featuring starting tackles Jon Stinchcomb and Jermon Bushrod, guards Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks and center Jonathan Goodwin, protected a Saints offense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL overall, points per game (31.9) and average yards (403.8). They finished No. 4 in passing yards per game (272.2) and sacks allowed (20) and No. 6 in rushing yards per game (131.6).

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