Staff Report

LAPLACE – NFL teams that take undefeated records into December are bound to boast a number of household names, and the New Orleans Saints are no different. Drew Brees and Reggie Bush are virtually brand names, and Darren Sharper and Marques Colston have bolstered their reputations as marquee players with tremendous seasons thus far.

But to be undefeated through 13 weeks is a team-wide effort.

Last week, L’Observateur asked its readers to decide which Saint – if the aforementioned four could not be selected – was deserving of “Most Valuable Player” status on the roster.

According to poll results, 37-percent of respondents are impressed with the job third-year receiver Robert Meachem has done – the former Tennessee Volunteer beat out linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who garnered 25-percent of the vote.

Meachem is enjoying a breakout season for the Saints. He’s hauled in 33 receptions for 601 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and has scored nine overall touchdowns.

Certainly helping Meachem’s cause was his play in last week’s Saints win over the Washington Redskins, a career day in which he caught eight passes for 142 yards and a touchdown, while scoring another on a fumble return – on that play he stripped Washington defensive back Kareem Moore of the ball after he had intercepted Drew Brees and returned it 44 yards for a score.

It was one of the most memorable plays in what may go down as the most memorable season in team history.

The full results of last week’s poll are as follows:

• 24 percent of respondents chose running back Pierre Thomas.

• 37 percent of respondents chose wide receiver Robert Meachem.

• 25 percent of respondents chose linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

• 4 percent of respondents chose defensive end Will Smith.

• 10 percent of respondents chose punter Thomas Morstead.

This week’s question: With Christmas right around the corner, many folks are scrambling to finish their holiday shopping. What is your biggest obstacle checking off everyone on your gift list?

Visit www.lobservateur.com to vote.