Hard Hat Award (Game #2, @ Clev.)

Hard Hat Award (Game #2, @ Clev.)

Stillers backup LB Keyaron Fox and LB Jamie Harrison 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.

Fox, an unknown backup LB who was praised on this site�s front page during preseason, had a stellar game on special teams, providing the previously-porous coverage units with a rare blend of tackling and dependability.  Facing the ever-so-dangerous Josh Cribbs, Fox had 3 solo stops in punt coverage.  Frankly, this is precisely what backup LBs are supposed to be doing, as opposed to some of the scholarships that have been given out in years gone by.   You expect backup LBs to be hungry, athletic, and hard-hitting enough to lead the way in kick coverage, and Fox did just that on Sunday evening. 

Harrison picked up where he left off in �07, with a strong effort at OLB, providing good run support and some pass harassment.  On top of that, Harrison played on punt and KO coverage -- a rarity for a starting LB  of his caliber -- and provided a huge boost with his toughness, savvy, and agility.  He blistered Cribbs with a hard hit on coverage in the 2H, which left Cribbs woozy and gimpy.   That, ladies and gentlemen, is what Hard Hat f�ball is all about�.!      

Others receiving consideration from The Committee were Benji Roethlisberger, Ryan Clark, Chris Kemo, and Jeff Reed.  There is almost always -- if not always -- a strong correlation between the number of players in consideration for the Hard Hat, and if the team won or lost.  Simply put, Hard Hat kind of football leads to victory; pansie football leads to defeat.. 

Kudos to Fox and Harrison for winning the Hard Hat Award.  Wear the Hard Hat proudly, gents! 

Previous 2008 Hard Hat Winners:

Week 1, vs. Houston: Willie Parker and LeMarr Woodley