Hard Hat Award (Game #5, vs.
Stiller strong safety Troy Polamalu and OG Chris Kemoeatu 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.
After a game in which no one from the Stillers was awarded the Hard Hat, the Stillers came out with a vengeance in the asswhipping of the Chefs. Leading the effort were Pola and Kemo, both of whom had stellar, inspired efforts.
Pola, who�d been suffering from the injured shoulder, finally looked like the Pola we all know and admire. He was a 1-man wrecking crew on defense, making a team-high 9 solo tackles. He was instrumental in shutting down RB Larry Johnson, including a spectacular effort on 3rd & short in which he knifed through 2 blockers and then dropped LJ far short of the sticks. Pola also had a big INT in the 2H, and would have scored on the return were he not pulled down by his long hair. True to his Hard Hat nature, the hair-pull didn�t hurt or both Pola.
Making his first-ever NFL start (in place of KenDoll Simmons), Kemo had a very strong, hard-nosed effort. He continuously mauled and pillaged the Chef defensive line and LB corps in impressive fashion. He made no glaring gaffes, and his play was steady, rock solid, and at times downright nearly awesome, especially given that this was his first-ever NFL start.
Kudos to
Previous 2006 Hard Hat Winners:
Week 4, @
Week 3, vs. Cinci: Ryan Clark
Week 2, @ Jax: Jamie Harrison
Week 1, vs.