JOHN MADDEN PICKS BALTIMORE RAVENS OFFENSIVE LINE AS TOP PROTECTORS AFTER DOMINANT WEEK 3 VICTORY
Baltimore O-Line Served as Foundation For Quick Start and Balanced Attack
CINCINNATI, OH (September 28, 2011) - Playing for the second straight week without their starting left guard, the BALTIMORE RAVENS soared out of the gates with 21 straight points to open the game against the St. Louis Rams. After a disappointing game in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans in which Baltimore only rushed for 45 yards, the Ravens rebounded versus the Rams to amass 168 yards on the ground. This impressive feat establishes the Ravens offensive line as contenders for the third annual Madden Protectors Award, presented by Prilosec OTC. The award honors the NFL’s best offensive line and will be presented during the week of Super Bowl XLVI, which will be played on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis. Past Madden Protectors Award recipients include the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2010) and the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2009).
The Madden Protectors Award recognizes the fundamental role offensive linemen play in their teams’ success by providing consistent and powerful protection day in and day out, just as Prilosec OTC can provide 24-hour heartburn protection when used as directed for 14 days. For more information on the Madden Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC, visit www.nfl.com/prilosecotc .
Baltimore recorded their second win of the season in convincing fashion. The Ravens offensive line is anchored by tackles BRYANT MC KINNIE (Miami, FL) and MICHAEL OHER (Mississippi). Guards ANDRE GURODE (Colorado) and MARSHAL YANDA (Iowa) provided the interior blocking and protection while MATT BIRK (Harvard) called the signals at the center position. Tackle JAH REID (Central Florida) and guard/center BRYAN MATTISON (Iowa) also saw action on Sunday. Offensive line coach ANDY MOELLER is in his 4th season in the NFL, all with the Ravens. Four-year quarterback JOE FLACCO (Delaware) completed 27 of 48 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns to nine different receivers. Rookie wide receiver TORREY SMITH (Maryland), the Ravens second round draft pick in 2011, turned in an exceptional performance in his season debut with five receptions for 152 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to providing powerful protection for their quarterback, the veteran offensive line and Pro Bowl fullback VONTA LEACH (East Carolina) opened up lanes for running backs RAY RICE (Rutgers) and RICKY WILLIAMS (Texas) as they combined for 121 rushing yards.
"The Ravens did a great job of having a good mixture of run and pass," said Pro Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN. "The play of the offensive line was one of the keys to their victory."
Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 3 play included the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (375 total yards, two rushing touchdowns, 8-of-14 on third down), NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (454 total yards, 8-of-13 on third down, 6.7 yards per gain), and the GREEN BAY PACKERS (392 total yards, +15 minutes time of possession).
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