TOWSON, MD. -- With starting All-Pro left tackle Jamaal Brown out for the year and the NY Giants next on the schedule, many thought New Orleans undefeated record would come to an end. Fortunately for the Saints, their third-year back-up plan came up big, most likely solidifying his place as a starter in the National football league.

Jermon Bushrod is in the third year of a three contract and up until this season has seen limited action for the team that drafted him in the fourth round. Most teams do not keep offensive lineman that have never started a game on the roster for three years. Obviously the coaching staff saw something in the lineman from King George, Va. and their trust in him finally paid off.

Bushrod was given the nod to start the opening game of the season after Brown suffered his injury in the off-season. By week three, Brown was moved to the Injured Reserved list and it seemed Bushrod would have 16 games to prove his worth. Usually thats where the proverbial rug is pulled out from under someone. And so it was as he suffered his own injury and had been splitting time at left tackle with four year veteran Zach Strief out of Northwestern.

After sitting out week four's game with the New York Jets, Bushrod used that week and the bye week to rehab his injury and prepare for his toughest challenge in his young career. One of the top defenses in the NFL, the undefeated New York Giants brought one of the top ranked pass rushes to their game with the undefeated New Orleans Saints.

The Saints went on to defeated the Giants 48-27 and Bushrod held Defensive End Osi Umenyiora to no sacks and one solo tackle. Umenyiora entered the game second on the team in sacks. Recording 15 sacks as a team entering the game, the Giants got to Drew Brees just once, but not from the left side.

His effort was impressive enough in the game that Sports Illustrated writer Peter King mentioned Bushrod is his Monday Morning QB artcle. Bushrod received one of his four offensive Players of the Week awards. Gregg Rosenthal of NBC Sports also made note of the performance in an online story.

Not surprised at all at his performance was Bushrod's position coach at Towson, John Donatelli.

"Jermon and I talk every week," said coach Donatelli. "There is not a more deserving young man... with his work ethic, his knowledge of the game. He is as humble as he ever was but even more confident than he ever was. He studies his position like a fine craftsman. He is very diligent to his technique. We talk every week about the opponent he is facing. He is going to be an outstanding lineman in that league for a long, long time."

This week Bushrod will face Defensive End Randy Starks of Miami, who has registered two sacks on the season.