Hard Hat Award (Game #7, vs. Minn.)

Hard Hat Award (Game #7, vs. Minn.)

Stillers LB James Farrior 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.

Well known as �Taunto� for his infamous taunting penalty late in the Cleveland game last year that nearly snatched defeat from victory, Taunto had a career afternoon against the Dykings, recording 9 solos and 6 assists.  Taunto helped to limit the running game of the Dykes, and helped stop Peterson on a GL plunge in the 2Q.  The play that drew raves from The Committee occurred in the 4Q, when he shed the blocker on a screen and stopped the ballcarrier for a 5-yard gain. 

This week�s award is actually a rare feat for the longtime starting LB and defensive captain.   Upon review of the Hard Hat�s long, illustrious history, The Committee discovered that Taunto hadn�t been awarded this prestigious honor since the win over the NY Jest (sic) in Week 13 of the 2004 season, a span of nearly 5 full years.  It�s generally agreed upon that Taunto�s career began to noticeably arc downward midway thru the 2007 season, although based on the evidence of an award that is unintentionally but logically skewed toward a LB having a supreme chance at winning it each week, it�s plausible this arc began in 2006 or even as early as 2005. 

Others receiving consideration from The Committee were Max Starks, who ably warded off DE Jared Allen all game long; LB Key Fox, who subbed for the injured Larry Timmons and plucked the late INT that he returned for a TD; DE Brett Keisel, who made a tremendous play to fight thru a block and then chop the ball out of Brett Larvae�s hand for the key strip & turnover that was returned for a TD; and FS Ryan Clark, who leveled WR Percy Harvin with a brutal hit on a post pattern that left the young rookie dazed.   Aside from that, there really was no one else to consider.  

Kudos to Farrior for winning the Hard Hat Award.  Wear the Hard Hat proudly, James !  

Previous 2009 Hard Hat Winners:

Game #1, vs. Tenn.:  Jamie Harrison and Keyaron Fox

Game #2, @ Chicago:  No one

Game #3, @ Cinci: Mike Wallace  (honorable mention to Alice Cooper bassist Chuck Garric)

Game #4, vs. San Diego: Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Kemoeatu

Game #5, @ Detroit:  Jamie Harrison

Game #6, vs. Cleveland:  Larry Timmons