Hard Hat Award (Game #9, vs. Colts)

Hard Hat Award (Game #9, vs. Colts)

Stillers LB Jamie Harrison 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.

In a game where nearly every teammate leisurely sauntered about with all the intensity of a slug, Harrison had a strong game.  He was all over the field, blowing up running plays, harassing Manning, and stopping receivers in their RAC.  He easily led all Stiller defenders with 8 solos and 3 assists, and was a menace to the Colt offense all game long.  He also had a crisp solo tackle in punt coverage.  Look around the NFL, and figure out how many All Pro caliber LBs are playing on coverage teams.  Maybe 1, if that. 

The only other player receiving consideration from The Committee was TE Matt Spaeth.  It bears repeating that 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; pansy football (a term used here long before Troy Pola popularized it) leads to defeat. 

Kudos to Harrison for winning the Hard Hat Award.  Wear the Hard Hat proudly, Jamie! 

Previous 2008 Hard Hat Winners:

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

Week 2, @ Clev: Keyaron Fox and Jamie Harrison

Week 3, @ Phil: Troy Polamalu

Week 4, vs. Balt: Jamie Harrison and LeMarr Woodley

Week 5, @ Jax:  Ben Roethlisberger

Week 6, @ Cinci:  Mewelde Moore

Week 7, vs. NY Giants: Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel

Week 8, @ Skins: Byron Leftwich and Jared Retkofsky