So, after some discussions with a fellow member and friend @
mountainside, finally pulled the trigger on some Weathertech digital fit floor liners to properly protect the footwell area. I had some birthday money that I suppose could have gone to other mods, but, I really felt that the OEM all weather mats did not do a satisfactory job during the last 2 winters. I had to scrub the living crap out of the carpet to get the salt residue off of the carpet. I am hoping that they are worth the money (because they were not cheap). Everyone says that they are the best and I guess I will find out this winter.
Here is before and after: