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49ers O-Line Wins Madden MVP Award

The San Francisco 49ers gained a franchise-record 621 yards as they cruised to a 45-3 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The 49ers’ offense became the first team in NFL history to amass over 300 yards passing and 300 yards rushing in a single game. The 49ers had two receivers who eclipsed 100 yards on the day.  Led by superb protection by the offensive line, quarterback Alex Smith (Utah) was not sacked and was hit three times as he threw for a season high 303 yards and three touchdowns.  Sunday’s solid performance establishes the San Francisco 49ers offensive line as a contender for the fourth annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award.

The Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recognizes the backbone of every NFL team…the offensive line.  John Madden, for whom the Award is named, has been praising these unsung heroes for decades and serves as the ambassador for this unique Award, honoring the best Offensive Line in the National Football League.  The Award serves to celebrate the loyal teammates in the trenches that most consistently provide the time and protection that is critical to their teammates’ and overall team’s success.

“They just dominated in all areas” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach John Madden.

The 2012 Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award winner will be announced during the week of Super Bowl XLVII, which will be played on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans. Past Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recipients include the New Orleans Saints (2009, 2011) and the New England Patriots (2010).

The San Francisco 49ers offense received great contribution from the run game and the pass game.  Dominating the time of possession, the 49ers secured themselves in NFL history by accumulating 300 yards passing and 300 yards rushing in a single game. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) and Vernon Davis (Maryland) each had over 100 yards receiving. Led by Frank Gore (Miami-Fla.) 106 yards rushing on 14 attempts and Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State) 81 yards rushing on 11 attempts, four other 49ers were able to assist the 49ers in amassing 311 rushing yards on the day. The offensive line provide great protection for Smith (Utah) as he dropped back 24 times en route to throwing for 303 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions with a 75% completion rate. The offensive line had only 1 penalty during game. Starting in the trenches on Sunday for the 49ers were tackles Joe Staley (Central Michigan) and Anthony Davis (Rutgers); guards Mike Iupati (Idaho) and Alex Boone (Ohio State); and center Jonathan Goodwin (Michigan). Second year guard Daniel Kilgore (Appalachian State) and veteran guard Leonard Davis (Texas) also played big roles on select packages in coordinator Greg Roman’s offense. Mike Solari and Tim Drevno serve as the offensive line coaches for the 49ers and are entering their second season with the team.

Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 5 were the New York Giants (502 Total Yards, 259 Pass Yards, 243 Rush Yards, 0 sacks allowed, 1 hit on QB), the Pittsburgh Steelers (343 Total Yards, 207 Pass Yards, 136 Rush Yards, 0 sacks allowed, 3 hits on QB), the Chicago Bears (501 Total Yards, 287 Pass Yards, 214 Rush Yards, 1 sack allowed, 4 hits on QB) ,and the Minnesota Vikings (433 Total Yards, 258 Pass Yards, 175 Rush Yards, 1 sack allowed, 3 hits on QB).