Hard Hat Award (Game #9, vs. N’Orleans)

Hard Hat Award (Game #9, vs. N�Orleans)

Stiller RB Willie Parker and DB Ty Carter are the co-winners of the weekly Hard Hat Award, given to the Stiller player who best embodies the iron-tough, hard-as-steel attitude of the steel workers inside the blast furnace of a still mill.

Parker ran hell asunder over and around the Saints, rushing for 213 yards and 2 TDs in one of the greatest rushing efforts ever by a Pittsburgh Stiller.  Fast Willie turned in two 70-plus yard jaunts in springing the Stillers to victory.  And it wasn�t a game in which he just galloped through wide open holes.  On several carries, he ran for tough, hard-fought yardage as well, to include his one TD run.   

With injuries to Pola and Townsend, Ty Carter saw quite a bit of PT and responded with 2 brutal hits that produced 2 forced fumbles (FFs).  Much has been made about the Stillers� poor turnover differential, and most of the harping has been directed toward the offense�s fumbling and bumbling.  Fact of the matter is, the defense hasn�t forced many fumbles at all the entire season, and it was a breath of fresh air to see Carter put his hat on the ball and rudely force 2 fumbles. 

Kudos to Parker and Carter for winning the Hard Hat Award.  Wear the Hard Hat proudly, fellas !      

Previous 2006 Hard Hat Winners:

Week 8, vs. Denver: Hines Ward

Week 7, @ Oakland:  Hines Ward and Larry Foote

Week 6, @ Atlanta:  No one

Week 5, vs. KC:  Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoeatu

Week 4, @  San Diego:  No one

Week 3, vs. Cinci: Ryan Clark

Week 2, @ Jax: Jamie Harrison

Week 1, vs. Miami:  Charlie Batch and Willie Parker