Edwards Wins Weekly Hard Hat Award (Game #11, vs. Minn.)
Stiller WR Troy Edwards is the winner of my 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.
Edwards wasn't on the field as a WR that often in the Viking game, and as a WR he touched the ball only twice. But nonetheless, Edwards had a huge impact on this game, and clearly showed the kind of tenacity and grit that is the epitome of what the Hard Hat is all about. In a 6 minute segment of the third quarter, Edwards had 3 big plays that helped carry the day for the Black n' Gold. Eddie, who hadn't returned a punt since perhaps last year, fielded a punt and dashed up the sideline like lightning for a 28-yard return. Later on that drive, on a key 3rd & 2 at the Viking 12, Edwards took an end-around handoff and began to race toward the Stillers' right end. Only problem was the Viking defender who was flying high on a perpendicular path to crush Edwards well short of the first down. No problem. Edwards stopped on a dime, gave change, and then continued upfield for yardage. But a scrum formed in front of him near the goal line. Again, no problem. Troy lowered his head and steamrolled Viking DB Tyronne Carter, plowing into the end zone for his first TD in nearly a year. But Troy wasn't done for the day. On the ensuing kickoff, Viking returner Nate Jacquet bounced to the outside and took off for green pastures. Troy, who actually was one of the culprits that allowed Jacquet to slip outside, took off in a mad sprint, and with a great burst of speed and desire, caught Jacquet from behind. Furthermore, Troy adroitly stretched his hand out and slapped the ball loose, creating a key turnover that ended up placing the winning points on the board. This kind of determined, never-quit play is what makes the Hard Hat Award the coveted award that it is.
Kudos to Troy for winning the weekly Hard Hat Award. Wear the Hard Hat proudly, Troy !!
Previous Winners:
Week 10, @ Tenn: Kordell Stewart
Week 9, vs. Jax: Joey Porter and Kendrell Bell
Week 8, @ Clev: Jerome Bettis
Week 7, vs. Balt: Oliver Ross
Week 6 vs. Tenn: Kendrell Bell
Week 5, @ Tampa: Joey Porter
Week 4, @ KC: Kendrell Bell
Week 3, vs. Cinci: Aaron Smith
Week 2, @ Buff: Hines Ward
Week 1, @ Jax: Joey Porter