Holmes Wins Weekly Hard Hat Award (Game #9, vs. Tenn.)
Stiller ILB Earl "Hit Man" Holmes is the winner of my 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.
Holmes had another sterling effort in a season full of top-shelf, hard-hitting linebacking from the fifth-year LB. Facing the rugged Titan O-line, along with trusty FB Lorenzo Neal and all-world RB Eddie George, Holmes responded with a extraordinary pro bowl-caliber effort of outstanding run-stuffing, which was instrumental in the Stiller defense limiting George to under 3 yards per carry. In reviewing the game tape, I was extremely impressed by the combination of Holmes� anticipation, reading, and reacting, all of which were occurring at light speed, enabling Holmes to stuff the Titan�s vaunted ground game. Holmes led all defenders from both teams with 9 solos and 6 assists. Without question, this game should be the impetus for Holmes to receive considerable attention in the Pro Bowl balloting, but with only one prime-time national TV game this season, The Hit Man may be left out of the free trip to Hawaii that, up to this date, he rightfully deserves.
Kudos to Earl for winning the weekly Hard Hat Award. Wear the Hard Hat proudly, Hit Man !!
Previous Winners:
Game #8, vs. Tenn: Dan Kreider
Game #7, vs. Balt.: Chris Fu
Game #6, vs. Cinci: D. Washington and Joey Porter
Game #5, vs. NYJ: Larry Tharpe
- Game #4, vs. Jax: Kimo von Oelhofen
Game #3, vs. Tenn: Shar Pourdanesh
The Still Mill