After a sluggish first quarter start to Sunday's game, the Green Bay offensive line turned in a dominating performance over the game's final three quarters to record their fourth straight victory, a convincing 31-3 decision over their division rival Minnesota Vikings. The Green Bay offensive line now joins 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.
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The Green Bay offensive line is anchored by tackles BRYAN BULAGA (Iowa) and CHAD CLIFTON (Tennessee). Guards DARYN COLLEDGE (Boise State) and JOSH SITTON (Central Florida) provide the interior blocking while veteran center SCOTT WELLS (Tennessee) is in his seventh season. Rookie tackle T.J. LANG (Eastern Michigan) and center JASON SPITZ (Louisville) also saw action Sunday afternoon. JAMES CAMPEN is in his 4th season as the Packers' offensive line coach.
With the victory, the Packers moved into a tie with the Chicago Bears atop the NFC North. Green Bay overcame an early 3-0 deficit and scored points on their final three possessions of the second quarter and their first possession of the third quarter to open a commanding 24-3 lead.
Green Bay quarterback AARON RODGERS (California) was 22-for-31 for 301 yards and threw for four touchdowns, including three to GREG JENNINGS (Western Michigan) in the Packers victory. Rodgers benefitted from the work of his offensive line by connecting with seven different receivers and the Packers offensive line did not commit a penalty the entire game. Green Bay has now outscored their opponents 85-10 over the last three contests and ranks 8th in the league with 25.2 points per game average.
"The Green Bay offensive line has settled into a good groove and is playing as well as they have all season," said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN. "I like how these guys have consistently gotten stronger despite the loss of one of their top tackles (Mark Tauscher) and a top running back (Ryan Grant). They don't allow many sacks, they don't commit many penalties, and they pass protect very well. The Packers are a good team, with a quality offensive line."
Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 11 of the season included theATLANTA FALCONS(138 rushing yards and 253 passing yards); BUFFALO BILLS(449 total yards, including 141 rushing yards and 308 yards through the air); PITTSBURGH STEELERS(431 total yards, including 269 passing yards and 162 yards on the ground) and the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (400 yards of total offense including 253 yards passing).
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All player participation will be facilitated by NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association.
