Weekly Hard Hat Award (game #3, at Cincinnati)

In a critical game versus division rival Cincinnati, one that featured nearly everything a Stiller fan could possibly want (except for a blowout final score) LG Alan Faneca stood out amongst several worthy candidates for this weeks coveted HH award. Others under consideration by the committee included WR Hines Ward, FB Dan Kreider, and even the entire offensive line. After several minutes of discussion, the committee quickly dismissed the O-line from consideration. While this group, as a whole, did have their best game of the season, it was decided that the quality level of the opponent, as well as the 4 or 5 occasions of utter slop they displayed (for example the play in the 4^th Q in which Bettis was consumed by no less than 4 Bungle defenders, costing us 4 yards), was enough to disqualify the unit for the HH.

Kreider, though he played hard, as usual, did not have any major pancake blocks, the likes of which we have come to expect from him on a semi-regular basis. Yes, he does deserve an assist on the Ward TD, but the committee felt that this was more a case of Dan showing an astute knowledge of the rules than it was an example of grittiness and determination. Ward too, played hard, as is his wont, and did show major determination on the aforementioned TD. However, despite the fact that he was able to gain an extra two yards after initial contact on that play, he would NOT have scored had Kreider not pushed the pile forward the final yard and a half. Having shown no other major examples of exceptional toughness on this day, Ward was therefore eliminated from consideration.

Thus, the committee was left with Alan Faneca. And believe me when I tell you that none of us were disappointed in seeing Alan win this week's award. Alan had himself the type of day that O-linemen dream about. He was solid at the point of attack all day in both the running and passing games. He led the unit admirably in creating holes for our ball-carriers to run through, as well as protecting Maddox' backside with the same fervor that a certain tailback might protect an extra-large pepperoni and sausage pizza. Also, he drew no false start or holding flags (always a major plus for anyone in this unit). Now, none of this would be reason enough to award Alan one of football's most coveted award. No, Alan earned this weeks HH on the basis of all this, PLUS his outstanding work on two exceptional plays. On two separate occasions, Faneca obliterated Cinci MLB Adrian Ross (#57). One came very late in the game, at 3.45 in the 4^th Q. In clearing the way for a Bettis 6 yard run, Faneca utterly pancaked Ross. I'm sure most of you have already seen the excellent still photo's that my esteemed colleague Triv put on the message board, but for those that might have missed that thread, here is the pic of said pancake:

Simply superb blocking. As if that wasn't enough, Alan had himself a highlight-reel hit earlier in the same quarter, at 14:31, when, again while clearing the way for a Bettis jaunt (of 7 yards this time), Faneca just demolished Ross. Faneca hit Ross so damned hard on this play the Ross' helmet literally exploded off his head, flying at least 10 yards downfield. The pic:

Believe me when I tell you that Ross' helmet is still going up in this picture. THAT, my Black & Gold brethren, is STILLER football. THAT is Hard Hat Award winning hitting. Nuff said.

Kudos to Alan Faneca for winning the weekly Hard Hat Award.  Wear it proudly, Alan.

Previous winners of the coveted Hard Hat Award in 2003:

Game #1 (vs Baltimore): LB Clark Haggans

Game #2 (at Kansas City): No HH awarded