Anchored behind the powerful protection of their offensive line, the Indianapolis Colts played one of their most complete games of the season, jumping out to an early lead and holding off a late Jacksonville rally for a 34-24 victory Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts now join the list of this year’s contenders for the 2nd annual Madden Most Valuable 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 XLV which will be played on February 6, 2011 in North Texas.
The Madden Most Valuable ProtectorsAward recognizes the fundamental role offensive linemen play in their teams’ success by providing consistent and reliable protection day in and day out, just as Prilosec OTC provides 24-hour heartburn protection when used as directed. For more information on the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC, visit www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com.
Starting Sunday’s game on the offensive line for the Colts were tackles RYAN DIEM (Northern Illinois) and CHARLIE JOHNSON (Oklahoma State); guards KYLE DeVAN(Oregon State) and MIKE POLLAK (Arizona State); and center JEFF SATURDAY (North Carolina). JEFF LINKENBACH (Cincinnati) also saw action on the Indianapolis line on Sunday. PETE METZELAARS is the offensive line coach for the Colts.
“The Colts offensive did a fantastic job run blocking Sunday afternoon allowing their backs to break open several long plays throughout the game,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN. “If the Indianapolis offensive line is able to play with the consistency they have demonstrated over the last two weeks, the Colts could make a long run in the playoffs. The Indianapolis line is really coming together well here near the end of the season when you need your line to be at their very best.”
The Indianapolis line, which has allowed just 15 sacks all season (tied for fewest in the league), out-rushed the Jaguars 155-67, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Running back DONALD BROWN(Connecticut) rushed for a career best 129 yards on 14 carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that gave the Colts a 21-10 lead. Quarterback PEYTON MANNING (Tennessee) completed 29 of 39 passes for 229 yards and two first-half touchdowns to AUSTIN COLLIE(Brigham Young). The Colts scored touchdowns as the result of scoring drives on their first series of each of the first three quarters.
“The offensive line did a phenomenal job all afternoon,” said Brown. “When you are getting to the second level and that is the first time you are getting touched, that makes my job a lot easier.”
Backed by the strong offensive line, Indianapolis now leads the league in average passing yards (298.1), and ranks 4thin points per game (27.2) and average total yards per contest (298.1).
Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 15 of the season included the DETROIT LIONS (433 yards of total offense including 181 yards rushing and 252 yards through the air); OAKLAND RAIDERS (502 yards of total offense including 264 yards rushing, no sacks allowed); and the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (28 fourth quarter points and 418 total yards).