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Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 20, 2009 7:40 PM ET
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.
Permalink Comments
SF Saints Fan says:
October 20, 2009 8:11 PM
I agree that Bushrod is playing better than Jamaal Brown and believe that because Brown is an unrestricted free agent that he has played his last down of football with the Saints. Unless he wants to take a "below market deal" to stay with a winning team. They probably wouldn't keep him even if he paid them at this point. Too many penalties and dumb mistakes on his part.
October 21, 2009 9:43 AM
Watching the game, I could have sworn that Brees had enough time to BBQ a steak, well done, before throwing the ball - many times. Yeah, must have been the scheme.
As to "Rod", he is playing greatQ
An added bonus is that they don't have Brown jumping offsides in critical moments of the game. Brown personally killed many 3rd down opps for the team with his inability to count.
scomibord says:
October 21, 2009 9:58 AM
tv says: October 21, 2009 9:43 AM
Watching the game, I could have sworn that Brees had enough time to BBQ a steak, well done, before throwing the ball - many times. Yeah, must have been the scheme.
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