�� ��
Hard
Hat Award (Game #8, vs. Denver)
Stiller WR Hines Ward is the winner 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.
Ward had yet another gritty, hard-nosed effort in the loss
to the Doncos.� In fact, Ward was one of
the few players that showed up with his chinstrap buckled tightly and ready to
hit and hit some more.� Ward made
several clutch catches and took his share of punishment, but also dished it out
as well.� He made some crushing blocks on
running plays, including a tooth-rattling block on DB Nick Ferguson that left
Fergie dazed and confused with a concussion.�
When a WR is punishing opposing defenders, that is Hard Hat
football, plain and simple.� �Ward did have a costly fumble near the GL in
the 4Q, but this wasn't a careless or sloppy play.� Rather, Ward, in full gusto and sheer dtermination, vaulted
through the air for the GL, and only a spectacular, and lucky, hit by John
Lynch was able to pop the ball loose just a foot before crossing the GL.� Sure, Ward could have burrowed instead and either
gotten the score and settled safely at the 1-foot line, but it's awfully hard
to fault a guy for vaulting himself through the air with every ounce of energy
and determination in his body.� This
play, as well, was Hard Hat kind of football, and it's a shame it came
up a foot short.� ��
Kudos to Ward for winning the Hard Hat Award.�� Wear the Hard Hat proudly, Hines!���
Previous 2006 Hard Hat Winners:
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