Hard Hat Award (Game #4, vs.
Stillers RB Rashard Mendenhall 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.
In what amounted to a must-win game against the Bolts, these 2 players took the bull by the horns and led the way on a nite where the Stillers offense had a rare, prolific point output.
Mendy, who was coming off a benching in the loss to Cinci, got the start only because Parker was out with turf toe. Mendy ran like an angry thief, bolting and plowing like a man possessed. He finished the game with 29 rushes for 165 yards and 2 TDs, along with 2 grabs for 26 yards. These weren�t cheese or slop stats, either. Mendy was hitting holes decisively, in true Hard Hat fashion, and then exploding into the 2nd level with power and determination. To add to his performance, Mendy blistered a blitzing Charger LB with a vicious block that put the Charger on the ground�.a highlight reel block that showed the man�s strength, power, and explosiveness.
Kemo has had enormous struggles, both this season and last, but had a sterling effort in paving the way for the ground game. He consistently led the ground assault with pulls -- both to his left and his right -- and then mauled defenders at the POA (point of attack). There were Chargers who, after the game, still had Kemo�s footprints all over their bodies after he�s stomped all over them the previous 3 hours.
Others receiving consideration from The Committee were Jamie Harrison, Mewelde Moore, and Doug Legursky.
Kudos to Mendenhall and Kemoeatu for winning the Hard Hat Award. Wear the Hard Hat proudly, fellas!
Previous 2009 Hard Hat Winners:
Game #1, vs.
Game #2, @
Game #3, @ Cinci: Mike Wallace (honorable mention to Alice Cooper bassist Chuck Garric)