NEW ORLEANS -- As a kid, Marshall Faulk grew up not too far from the Superdome
dreaming about one thing -- leaving. Poverty does that to a kid.
|  | | After New Orleans' Kevin Mathis (23) provoked the Rams' Marshall Faulk (being restrained by umpire Carl Paganelli), Faulk went on to another MVP-type performance.
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Though Faulk is proud to say he's from New Orleans, the best thing he knows
is that he's "from" New Orleans.
"You dream about a lot of things growing up as a kid," Faulk said.
"Mine was to get out of my neighborhood and make it in life. You never know
how far your determination and drive can take you. With your eyes closed,
you keep pushing."
Faulk pushed himself so well and so far that he could come back home
and have the greatest day of his career and lock up the greatest honor of
his career. If a 220-yard, 32-carry, three-touchdown day in a 26-21 victory
over the Saints doesn't wrap up his selection of the league's most valuable
player, there is no justice in the world. He's scored 11 touchdowns his past
three games.
His 26 touchdowns this season breaks Emmitt Smith's NFL record of 25
touchdown in 1995.
"He's unbelievable," quarterback Trent Green said. "If he doesn't
win MVP, they are going to need some re-votes. He does so many things for
us."
Still, Faulk's greatest performance almost didn't happen. The Saints
wanted to irritate Faulk. Defenders stood in his way every time he tried to
walk back to the huddle. They'd try to give him an extra tug or slap after
each play.
Saints cornerback Kevin Mathis caused Faulk to regretfully blow up
on a play early in the second quarter. Mathis' tackle was legal, a low hit
after a 10-yard run. Mathis then gave an extra shove. Faulk arose and slugged
Mathis with a quick shot to the helmet.
Players from both teams converged, pushing and shoving all the way.
Somehow, Mathis got back toward the Rams' huddle and Faulk spotted him and
lunged forward. He was restrained by teammates.
Already flagged for a 15-yard penalty, Faulk came close to being
ejected from the game.
"Emotions get the best of everybody," Faulk said. "It got the
best of me, and I apologize to my family and the people here in New Orleans.
That's not me. You do a lot of things on the football field and there is a
lot of talking and bumping. I took it too far."
Faulk quickly regained his composure and put on a show. Here's why
he's the most valuable player and has been that way all season long. Kurt
Warner has struggled with interceptions all season. He's thrown 18 and had
four returned for touchdowns. Backup Trent Green has been asked to fill in
with virtually no practice time and has been inconsistent.
Despite knee and shoulder problems, Faulk has been there
consistently. He's rushed for 1,359 yards and caught 81 passes for 820
yards. Sunday was going to be his day from the very beginning.
On the opening series following an interception thrown by Aaron Brooks, Faulk
touched the ball on five consecutive plays. The drive resulted in his first of
three touchdowns. He ran twice for 19 yards and caught three passes for 17.
"I had a big game in a big game," Faulk said. "It's pretty
simple. When you start a game, you never know what kind of impact you are
going to have coming in. On the first series, I had my name called five
times. As a player, you love that. You want the ball in your hands to make
plays."
The Saints used a two-deep zone scheme to force Rams quarterbacks to
be patient. By having the Rams not hitting deep passes, the Saints felt they
could eliminate big pass plays and get hits on the quarterback. In the
second quarter, Warner took a shot from linebacker Keith Mitchell and
eventually had to leave the game in the third quarter with a concussion.
Faulk carried the Rams into the playoffs with his legs, his hands
and his heart.
"Please, somebody find a better player in this universe than Marshall Faulk," Rams coach Mike Martz said. "Who deserves that MVP more
than Faulk. He's truly a great player."
Best in the league this year with little debate.
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Rams beat Saints, get help to return to playoffs
Clayton: Defensive coordinators beware, Rams still alive
Marshall Faulk breaks NFL single-season TD record
Warner suffers mild concussion, leaves Saints game
VIDEO
  Mike Martz and the Rams get into the playoffs thanks to a little help from Bears kicker Paul Edinger. RealVideo: 28.8 Marshall Faulk and the Rams' offensive line step up and help send the Rams into the playoffs. RealVideo: 28.8  The Rams are in and Kurt Warner knows repeating will be difficult, but not impossible. wav: 81 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 |
