Best and Worst of the New Orleans Saints 2016 Season Awards
By Bob Rose
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: JAHRI EVANS, OFFENSIVE RIGHT GUARD
Evans is among the Saints all-time greats along the offensive line; but his career appeared to be over after last season, when New Orleans released him after a year of struggles.
The 33 year old veteran signed with the Seattle Seahawks, but was released before the beginning of the season. The Saints then subsequently re-signed the 10 year veteran, presumably to add depth and a leadership presence along a line that was expected to struggle.
Evans almost immediately reclaimed the starting right guard spot he had held since 2007, and strengthened the Saints’ biggest offensive weakness.
Evans and veteran right tackle Zach Strief paired for a formidable duo for a line that opened up holes for a running game that averaged almost 5 yards per carry, and only allowed 28 sacks on quarterback Drew Brees.
Evans, along with Strief, are certainly near the end of wonderful careers, and those positions will likely be addressed this off season; but Evans showed why he should be considered among the Saints best players in team history.