*** The Official Hard Knocks 2013 Thread - Bengals confirmed *** (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Now that the NFL Draft is in the rear view mirror and we are into OTAs and training camps, we can begin the speculation on who will be in the 2013 HBO Hard Knocks season.

Who would you like to see and why?

 

[Faust]

NFL: The candidates for HBO’s Hard Knocks

Every year, HBO puts on a series called Hard Knocks, a documentary in which the HBO cameras follow a franchise for the entire pre-season, from the head coach and general manager to the undrafted free agents. The programme shows everything from how practices are conducted to how players are cut from the team. It is a widely popular show for football fans and this year should be no different, with a number of excellent candidates to be profiled this pre-season. Here, I take a look at some of the franchises that HBO should be coveting most.

San Francisco 49ers

Personally, I really hope that Hard Knocks goes to San Francisco this season. The Niners have just drafted Florida State’s Tank Carradine and South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, two of the biggest medical question marks in the entire draft class. Lattimore especially has had substantial media coverage during his rehabilitation from one of the more infamous sporting injuries in recent history. The former Gamecock running back dislocated his right knee during a game against Tennessee in October. This was following a knee ligament injury in the previous season.

If he can return to what he was before the injury, Lattimore is without a doubt the most talented running back in this year’s draft class, and would have the opportunity to become one of the premier running backs in the NFL.

This season’s most famous undrafted free agent, British former Discuss Champion Lawrence Okoye, is trying to make it in the NFL after having never played the game before. It would be unprecedented if the British track and field star could actually make the roster, and most NFL fans around the world would be fascinated to see whether he could do it. The ratings boost should be substantial.

Finally, this team is the Superbowl loser from only a few months ago. They have an exciting new quarterback in Colin Kaepernick and one of the more entertaining Head Coaches in Jim Harbaugh. How will Kaepernick respond after his impressive first season? What will Harbaugh do to pick up his team and recapture some of the fire they had last season? Hopefully, Hard Knocks will have all the answers.

San Diego Chargers

Two words: Manti Te’o.

The most famous NFL rookie in the world right now, the promise of Te’o is sure to boost the ratings of the popular show. Everyone wants to see what kind of man Te’o will be in an NFL locker room, and what kind of effect his presence will have on the team. Even more importantly, football people want to know if he can be the player that everybody expected him to be before the doubts of the Alabama game crept in.

However, the Chargers would be stupid to let this happen. The last thing Te’o needs is yet another camera pointed at his face. He declined an invitation to the NFL draft and instead stayed inside his home in Hawaii, celebrating privately with his family. This is a kid who has become very camera shy in the last few months, and with good reason. He wants to forget about the media and just concentrate on playing football. If the Chargers are half-smart, they’ll resist HBO and let him do just that.

Buffalo Bills

The public can’t get enough of rookie quarterbacks at the moment. EJ Manuel was one of the surprises of the draft this year when the Bills made him the 16th overall pick and the only quarterback taken in the first round. It would be interesting to see how he fits in to the Buffalo system, and whether Kevin Kolb has enough left in him to fight for the starting gig. Having the cameras in Buffalo would also mean the nation gets a good look at one of the most exciting players in the entire draft, wide receiver Tavon Austin.

Atlanta Falcons

There isn’t a player on an NFL roster right now who has more people rooting for him than Atlanta Falcons linebacker Brian Banks. The 27 year old rookie gave up on his dream of making it in the NFL after being wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in 2002. He spent five years in jail and was required to serve five years on parole and register as a sex offender. After his exoneration in 2012, Banks landed with the Las Vegas Locomotives and after one season has been given his chance in the NFL. Banks has never spoken ill of his accuser, and now stands as a spokesperson for the California Innocence Project. His story of tragedy, perseverance and triumph is ready-made for television.

Other players of interest this off-season will include Steven Jackson, the St Louis Rams all-time leader in rushing yards who is trying to revive his career in Atlanta, and first round draft choice Desmond Trufant, the brother of NFL players Marcus and Isaiah and one of the more exciting players in the draft.

Washington Redskins

The ‘Skins have a number of interesting players, a fiery head coach and an entertaining owner in Dan Snyder. But if Hard Knocks signed up Washington for this off-season’s series, it would be for one reason and one reason only; how will superstar quarterback RG3 rehab from his injury? Will he be ready for the new season? Will he have the same explosiveness when he comes back? That is the only thing anyone cares about in Washington DC before September comes around, and it will make for some pretty good TV.

Philadelphia Eagles

Ever since the Eagles hired Oregon coach Chip Kelly to replace the departing Andy Reid, there has been speculation from all over the NFL about what Kelly will bring to the Eagles. Will he utilise the fast-paced, no huddle system that he ran with the Ducks? Will his practices be run at 100 mph as they were with the Ducks? Will he run an option offence with Michael Vick under centre?

Now, after the draft, those questions are all there but others have surfaced with them. Questions like is there a chance that Matt Barkley could be the starting quarterback in Philly this year? Will Nick Foles have a shot with this team? Will the 6 ft 8 inch mammoth wide receiver Ifeanyi Momah make the final roster? All these questions and more could be answered for us if HBO send the cameras in.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are one of the few teams in the league that will have a genuine competition for the starting quarterback gig in training camp. A quarterback competition is always fascinating to see, and was a big part of the success of the Miami Dolphins Hard Knocks series last season, when Ryan Tannehill beat out Matt Moore and David Garrard for the starting role. In Jacksonville, Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert will be fighting it out with undrafted rookies Matt Scott and Jordan Rodgers (brother of Packers quarterback Aaron), and right now it is far from clear who is going to win. They’re all so flawed that any one of them could end up taking the field in September.

Another interesting battle will take place between two players on offence and special teams. Two draft picks, Denard “Shoelace” Robinson and Ace Sanders will be vying for time both as a returner and as the offence’s creative weapon on wide receiver reverses and trick plays. Regardless of who wins out, it will be fun to watch these two athletes as they transition their considerable skills to the NFL. The Jaguars will not be a team HBO looks at first, however. The fact is that to garner the attention of the nation you have to be relevant, and having not made the playoffs since 2007 the Jaguars just aren’t relevant yet.

 

[Faust]

Telesco doesn’t slam door on Hard Knocks

Posted by Mike Florio on April 30, 2013, 10:32 PM EDT

Now that the draft has ended, the next phase of the NFL calendar includes this annual topic: Who’ll be on HBO’s Hard Knocks?

While the news typically unfolds with teams saying they definitely don’t want to do it, the first team to mention the show this year hasn’t ruled it out. Specifically, Chargers first-year G.M. Tom Telesco declined to close the door on the possibility in an interview with XTRA Sports 1360 in San Diego.

“I love watching that show,” Telesco said, “and NFL Films does an incredible job with it, they really do. As far as would we do it? We’ll see. I don’t foresee that this year. It’s gonna be a whole new training camp, with a new front office, new coaching staff. It’s something we may think about, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen this year.”

Telesco called it “great TV” and pointed to the “curiosity” factor. He also acknowledged that watching it gives him an idea as to how other teams operate. “Anything you can do to try to help yourself, I’m all for,” Telesco said.

That’s an argument against opening training camp to cameras and microphones, but it seems that every year at least one NFL team want to be the team that goes under the microscope. It doesn’t sound like the Chargers will be that team in 2013, but the Chargers could be in the future.

 

[Faust]

Buffalo Bills

The public can’t get enough of rookie quarterbacks at the moment. EJ Manuel was one of the surprises of the draft this year when the Bills made him the 16th overall pick and the only quarterback taken in the first round. It would be interesting to see how he fits in to the Buffalo system, and whether Kevin Kolb has enough left in him to fight for the starting gig. Having the cameras in Buffalo would also mean the nation gets a good look at one of the most exciting players in the entire draft, wide receiver Tavon Austin.

What?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Chargers. Please oh please oh please.

 

[Faust]

The Browns would have been interesting with the new regime, the young players, and with the questions surrounding Weeden as their QB; however, there is now about a 0.01% chance of that happening with the legal troubles that Jimmy Haslam is experiencing.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

The Eagles would be my favorite choice just to see how Chip Kelly's system is being received by the vets on that team. The Bills would certainly have plenty of storylines as well with a new coach, QB and the Da'rick Rogers post draft saga. Outside of the Te'o storyline, I'm not seeing a lot of compelling reasons for the Chargers although I would be taking a very close look at how Vincent Brown is coming along. The 49ers and Falcons could be fun to watch as well. The Jaguars would be the absolute worst case scenario and would be ratings suicide.

 

[lsutigers]

Buffalo Bills

The public can’t get enough of rookie quarterbacks at the moment. EJ Manuel was one of the surprises of the draft this year when the Bills made him the 16th overall pick and the only quarterback taken in the first round. It would be interesting to see how he fits in to the Buffalo system, and whether Kevin Kolb has enough left in him to fight for the starting gig. Having the cameras in Buffalo would also mean the nation gets a good look at one of the most exciting players in the entire draft, wide receiver Tavon Austin.

What?

Good catch. As a Buffalo fan, it made me happy to think what Fitzpatrick could have done with Tavon, Stevie and D. Rogers in an alternate universe.

 

[Faust]

Hard Knocks: Do New Orleans Saints Have a Chance to Appear on HBO Series?

Jun 4th, 2013 at 8:00 am by Chris Roling

The New Orleans Saints are one of the most interesting teams heading into the 2013 NFL season thanks to the return of head coach Sean Payton and the addition of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan—does this mean the Saints have a chance at appearing on HBO’s series Hard Knocks?

We are inclined to think the Saints are one of the teams in contention to appear on the HBO series that has swept the nation by storm over the past few years.

For one, the Saints are one of the most intriguing teams because Payton and Co. have always kept things surrounding the team so private. Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis have turned down the opportunity to appear on Hard Knocks in the past. You would be hard pressed to find another organization outside of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots that is more secretive.

Not to mention the Saints have one of the biggest and most dedicated fanbases (nice work, you guys!) in America’s most popular sport. There is always a demand for behind-the-scenes access to the franchise, so it is no wonder why HBO has approached the team in the past about the show.

There seems to be even more demand than usual this year. Part of it is the potential for a comeback story. Payton is finally reunited with his team after serving his suspension for the Bountygate scandal. Many are divided on whether the punishments handed down were fair, but all seem to be interested in whether Payton can get the Saints back to a Super bowl.

There’s also the underrated element of Ryan directing the defense. It’s not as simple as him being tasked with correcting the worst statistical defense in NFL history, which he is attempting to do by switching the team to a 3-4. It’s also that he is one of the most polarizing coaches in all of sports, which shouldn’t be all that surprising based on his similarities to his loud-mouthed brother, Rex Ryan.

Rob Ryan’s brother, Rex, has provided some comical Hard Knocks moments:

(click on the link to see the video clip)

While we have not heard much about HBO’s Hard Knocks yet, we have to think we will be soon. Training camp is right around the corner and the directors of the series may want to get a head start on finding a team considering so many, New Orleans included, turned down the opportunity last year.

What do you think? Do you want the Saints to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks? Does the team deserve it?

 

[Faust]

Philadelphia Eagles are so perfect for Hard Knocks it won't happen

 

[Faust]

Should The Dallas Cowboys Be On HBO's Hard Knocks?

 

[Faust]

Hard Knocks 2013: Jaguars don't seem interested

 

[BlueDredSo]

Buffalo BillsThe public can’t get enough of rookie quarterbacks at the moment. EJ Manuel was one of the surprises of the draft this year when the Bills made him the 16th overall pick and the only quarterback taken in the first round. It would be interesting to see how he fits in to the Buffalo system, and whether Kevin Kolb has enough left in him to fight for the starting gig. Having the cameras in Buffalo would also mean the nation gets a good look at one of the most exciting players in the entire draft, wide receiver Tavon Austin.

What?

Good catch. As a Buffalo fan, it made me happy to think what Fitzpatrick could have done with Tavon, Stevie and D. Rogers in an alternate universe.

Robert Woods ain't too shabby, either.

 

[Faust]

Buffalo BillsThe public can’t get enough of rookie quarterbacks at the moment. EJ Manuel was one of the surprises of the draft this year when the Bills made him the 16th overall pick and the only quarterback taken in the first round. It would be interesting to see how he fits in to the Buffalo system, and whether Kevin Kolb has enough left in him to fight for the starting gig. Having the cameras in Buffalo would also mean the nation gets a good look at one of the most exciting players in the entire draft, wide receiver Tavon Austin.

What?

Good catch. As a Buffalo fan, it made me happy to think what Fitzpatrick could have done with Tavon, Stevie and D. Rogers in an alternate universe.

Robert Woods ain't too shabby, either.

The Bills would be interesting to watch with the new regime, the development of E.J. Manuel, and the free-for-all battle for the WR depth chart after Steve Johnson with Woods, T.J. Graham, Goodwin, Rogers, et al. attempting to stake a claim on the # 2 or # 3 spot.

 

[Faust]

Our top 5 choices for Hard Knocks

Joe Fortenbaugh

Hard Knocks, the HBO reality sports documentary series that follows an NFL franchise through training camp, is scheduled to return to our television sets this August for its eighth installment. The show has featured seven teams since its inception in 2001 (see chart below) and the speculation is beginning to build as to which organization will appear on the program for the 2013 edition.

While the best possible approach to determining which team should get the nod would be to conduct a nationwide poll of professional football fans, the reality of the situation is that it’s not that simple. As we’ve seen in recent years (most notably in 2012), many teams shudder at the thought of providing total access to their methods. Hard Knocks can be viewed as a distraction and as a result, HBO has to take what the cable network can get.

But that won’t stop us from throwing out five teams that we would love to see on the program this summer. Our choices are below and the comments section is open for all of your suggestions.

5. Atlanta Falcons

Why: Because with the possible exception of the Denver Broncos, no team in the NFL is feeling the heat entering the 2013 season quite like the Atlanta Falcons. The Mike Smith-Matt Ryan era has produced a grand total of just one playoff win (1-4 postseason record overall) despite a combined regular season mark of 56-24 (.700).

Storylines: Affable tight end Tony Gonzalez returns for one last shot at a Vince Lombardi Trophy after flirting with retirement this past offseason. Newly acquired running back Steven Jackson looks to get back to the playoffs for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2004. Matt Ryan’s contract extension negotiations, assuming a deal isn’t reached before August. Rookie Desmond Trufant attempts to fill the spot vacated by veteran cornerback Dunta Robinson. Loquacious veterans Osi Umenyiora and Asante Samuel.

Feasibility: Unlikely, considering the Falcons turned down a chance to appear on Hard Knocks in 2012.

4. Washington Redskins

Why: Because rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III led the Washington Redskins back to the postseason for the first time since 2007 while setting a single-season jersey sales record at NFLShop.com. And because Griffin’s popularity alone could result in record ratings for the HBO series.

Storylines: RG3 battles back from a knee injury sustained in a January playoff contest that many believe the quarterback should not have been playing. Head coach Mike Shanahan compares the similarities and differences between Griffin and former pupil John Elway. Loudmouth DeAngelo Hall, owner Daniel Snyder’s newfound laissez faire approach to management, running back Alfred Morris’ encore to a 2012 rookie campaign that resulted in 1,613 rushing yards (second in NFL).

Feasibility: Zero. Shanahan has already passed on the opportunity with both the Broncos and Redskins.

3. San Francisco 49ers

Why: Because it will mark the first time that the viewing public becomes more captivated by the head coach than the players on the field. Some may argue New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan earned that distinction back in 2010, but the Darrelle Revis contract negotiations dominated that installment of Hard Knocks.

Storylines: San Francisco’s attempt to buck history by returning to the Super Bowl one year after losing the NFL’s final game of the season. Dealing with the loss of star wide receiver Michael Crabtree to an Achilles injury. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s progress after unseating Alex Smith, who went 19-5-1 as a starter under Jim Harbaugh. Rookie running back Marcus Lattimore’s return from a gruesome collegiate knee injury. And of course, Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy and motivational speeches.

Feasibility: Another unlikely candidate after team CEO Jed York said no to the opportunity last season.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Why: Because the bandits from the Pacific Northwest took the league by storm in 2012 and will be the trendiest Super Bowl pick entering September.

Storylines: Head coach Pete Carroll may be the most congenial front man in the league while quarterback Russell Wilson is 2012’s best underdog story. Marshawn Lynch and his Skittles, Percy Harvin and his new digs, Richard Sherman and his quest to become the NFL’s premier cornerback. Offseason personnel upgrades, offseason drama. The San Francisco rivalry, which dates back to Carroll’s time at USC and Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Stanford. The 12th man and the most lethal home field advantage in the National Football League.

Feasibility: Doubtful. Seattle general manager John Schneider said no to the chance in 2012, but Pete Carroll isn’t the type of guy who has a problem with the spotlight. Here’s hoping the Seahawks have a change of heart in 2013.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Why: Because they’re the perfect fit.

Storylines: How much time you got? Let’s begin with the obvious, which is the fact that everybody and their mother is interested in what new head coach Chip Kelly has in store for the National Football League. Kelly’s up-tempo, high-flying Oregon offense took the college football world by storm and many are wondering if he plans on bringing the same approach to the big leagues. We’ve also got a heated quarterback battle that includes the controversial Michael Vick, second-year signal-caller Nick Foles and fourth-round pick Matt Barkley. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson provides the sound bites, offensive tackle Jason Peters brings the “return from devastating injury” angle. The defense could feature up to seven new starters, the offense is shrouded in mystery. And let’s not forget the fact that Philadelphia posted nine winning seasons in eleven years from 2000-2010 (which includes five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance) before a 2011 spending spree and a variety of other factors derailed the franchise and brought an end to the Andy Reid era. It’s a fresh start with new faces in familiar places and we all want to know how it’s going to play out.

Feasibility: It all comes down to Chip Kelly and whether or not he wants his first NFL training camp to feature the highest possible level of scrutiny. It’s an unnecessary gamble for a first year head coach, but the Miami Dolphins seemed to fare all right after Joe Philbin permitted the access last season.

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

 

[Faust]

The Rams could be another interesting team to follow with all of the young offensive talent on that roster and the questions surrounding Bradford.

 

[Faust]

'Hard Knocks' revisited: Best of NFL's summer drama

 

[Faust]

It's eerily quiet on the Hard Knocks front

Ben Koo

A while back, I was going to write the standard "5 Teams We'd Like To See On Hard Knocks". These articles are common fair on the internet but mine would have obviously been way better and avoided an annoying slideshow format. For sharing purposes I had my top 5 as the Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, Texans, and Saints in that order with the caveat that any teams featured in the last decade were ineligible.

But now we're in June and rather than trying to will a team with compelling storylines unfolding during training camp to be featured, I'm more concerned that nothing has been announced yet. In fact, there haven't even been the usual leaks, whispers, and news coverage of the outreach and selection process.

Historically, we usually see HBO/NFL Films start to find its way into the news in March, April, and mostly May. The majority of announcements surrounding the selection of a team has typically taken place in May although speculation usually starts in April or even March. In terms of the standard speculation and close calls..... crickets.

Looking back over the timing of previous year's announcements:

Chiefs - June 2,2007

Cowboys - May 7, 2008

Bengals - May 15, 2009

Jets - May 24, 2010

Dolphins - May 29, 2012

Given we're already past the latest date a Hard Knocks season has been announced and the Hard Knocks rumor mill is eerily quiet, I'm no longer trying to will a team with compelling personalities and training camp storylines to participate but rather just hoping any team takes the plunge.

I'd assume the teams listed above are probably unlikely candidates and although the Dolphins featured a rookie coach last year, I have a feeling that most owners with a rookie coach won't want to pullback the kimono on their training camps under new leadership. Also, about a handful of teams have publicly made comments that they were not interested. If the assumptions on a repeat team and a rookie coach not being featured are true and teams who have signaled they're not interested are telling the truth, more than half of the NFL would be out of play.

Also not helping matters is the fact that NFL Films is without their visionary Steve Sabol who historically has been very involved in getting approval for access to Hard Knocks. Will owners be as receptive to the concept without Sabol's larger than life persona and reputation holding their hand?

I reached out to NFL Films for a comment hoping to at least be reassured that wheels were in motion, but their PR department has had some churn of late and our outreach may have got lost in the transition.

For me a season without Hard Knocks is terribly hard to deal with. Not only am I without one of my most favorite programs but it essentially extends the football offseason for me. Although my baseball team (Oakland) is playing well, Hard Knocks essentially makes a usually slow sports month of August that much more bearable.

July is really scary as NFL Films and HBO need pre production lead time and that window begins to get really compounded. All this being said, I'd love for someone in the know the drop us line or a tweet and talk us off the ledge. The fact I'm already sweating this is pretty indicative of just how much not having football gives me the shakes.

 

[donkshow]

COLTS, WOOO!

 

[Beerguzzler]

The announcement has really dragged out now. Starting to get nervous there's no Hard Knocks this year . I don't even care which team it is.

 

[loqutis]

I think Oakland without Al would be an interesting watch.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Buffalo Bills

The public can’t get enough of rookie quarterbacks at the moment. EJ Manuel was one of the surprises of the draft this year when the Bills made him the 16th overall pick and the only quarterback taken in the first round. It would be interesting to see how he fits in to the Buffalo system, and whether Kevin Kolb has enough left in him to fight for the starting gig. Having the cameras in Buffalo would also mean the nation gets a good look at one of the most exciting players in the entire draft, wide receiver Tavon Austin.

What?

Good catch. As a Buffalo fan, it made me happy to think what Fitzpatrick could have done with Tavon, Stevie and D. Rogers in an alternate universe.

Robert Woods ain't too shabby, either.

The Bills would be interesting to watch with the new regime, the development of E.J. Manuel, and the free-for-all battle for the WR depth chart after Steve Johnson with Woods, T.J. Graham, Goodwin, Rogers, et al. attempting to stake a claim on the # 2 or # 3 spot.

 

[Faust]

Seahawks not interested in Hard Knocks

Joe Fortenbaugh

A 7-1 record to close out the regular season spearheaded by the emergence of rookie third-round selection Russell Wilson made the Seattle Seahawks one of the NFL’s most captivating stories in 2012. And while the recent rise in popularity of the league’s Pacific Northwest franchise makes the Seahawks an ideal fit for HBO’s reality sports documentary Hard Knocks, the cable television network will have to look elsewhere for a team to follow in 2013.

“We understand the interest in this show, but would not want to bring a ton of attention to ourselves,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider told the National Football Post on Thursday.

Seattle’s stance on the matter is hardly a novel one, given that several NFL teams—the Seahawks included—balked at the chance to appear on Hard Knocks in 2012.

In addition to the Seahawks, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told XTRA Sports 1360 in San Diego that while the team has an interest in appearing on the popular program, it’s unlikely the Bolts would accept an invitation in 2013.

“As far as would we do it? We’ll see. I don’t foresee that this year. It’s gonna be a whole new training camp, with a new front office, new coaching staff. It’s something we may think about, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen this year,” Telesco told XTRA Sports 1360 during an interview in late April.

The eighth edition of Hard Knocks is scheduled to premiere sometime in early August, assuming HBO can find at least one team willing to accept the distractions that prevent so many others from appearing on the program.

 

[cstu]

In addition to the Seahawks, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told XTRA Sports 1360 in San Diego that while the team has an interest in appearing on the popular program, it’s unlikely the Bolts would accept an invitation in 2013.

“As far as would we do it? We’ll see. I don’t foresee that this year. It’s gonna be a whole new training camp, with a new front office, new coaching staff. It’s something we may think about, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen this year,” Telesco told XTRA Sports 1360 during an interview in late April.

What has this team got to lose?

 

[Faust]

Watching the Detroit Lions could also be somewhat entertaining.

 

[kutta]

On local sports radio the other day, they were talking about the Cardinals doing it. I didn't catch the whole thing so I don't know if there was any inside info, but the hosts spent quite a bit of time talking about what a good fit it would be.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

Gotta say there's a pretty short list of teams I would not want to watch and Arizona is certainly on it.

 

[kutta]

Gotta say there's a pretty short list of teams I would not want to watch and Arizona is certainly on it.

 

[Faust]

Manning and Fox would never agree to allowing the Hard Knocks distraction into their camp, but the Broncos would be another team that I would like to see featured on the show.

 

[Jeremy]

Getting a close up look at Jim Harbaugh's act would be a hoot.

 

[Khy]

Personally I'd like to see the Chiefs or the Eagles. Both of them are completely new systems with a lot of exciting moving pieces. The Vick/Foles battle would be particularly interesting and it'd give people a look and insight into Kelly's system. For the Chiefs I just want to see how well the transitions are going over there, I see big things for the Chiefs this year. As a homer I'd like to see the Giants in a way too but they seem like a super boring show and I don't think Coughlin would let cameras anywhere near his camp field.

 

[Faust]

The Patriots have just become that much more of an interesting option. Too bad it will never happen.

 

[The Ref]

The Patriots have just become that much more of an interesting option. Too bad it will never happen.

The Patriots would make the best hard knocks ever and the reason for that is it would NEVER happen. If we ever wanted to see one it would have to come in 4-5 yeas when Bill and Brady are going to ride off into the sunset together come hell or high water.

 

[Beerguzzler]

It's official - Cincy Bengals got selected.

Ian Rapoport@RapSheet 9:07 PM
Cool RT @richarddeitsch Via @pdomo and @joereedy: The @Bengals will be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks this year.

 

[Raider Nation]

Disappointing. I wanted to see a new team.

And we won't even get to see pear-shaped Lippincott cut players in his sympathetic manner again.

"We're cutting you. Grab your stuff and get out."

 

[Faust]

Tweet that the Bengals will be on Hard Knocks was deleted

The Cincinnati Bengals were going to be on HBO's Hard Knocks, according to Paul Domowitch with the Philadelphia Daily News on a tweet that was sent out Friday night.

Bengals will be featured team on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series this summer.

— Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) June 15, 2013

Within 30 minutes, that tweet was deleted.

We can only assume that the information was bad (obviously), or perhaps NFL Films or HBO weren't ready for it to be known publicly yet. Either way, no go right now.

 

[dickey moe]

Makes no sense to choose the Bengals again. I'd like to see the 49ers or the Saints.

 

[johnnyboy8102]

Seahawks, 49ers, or Ravens would have been my selection.

 

[shadyridr]

Makes no sense to choose the Bengals again. I'd like to see the 49ers or the Saints.

makes sense if no one else wants to do it

 

[Beerguzzler]

Yea I don't really care who's on, as long as the show airs. I suspect that the bengals are the only ones that agreed to do it this year.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I think it'll be interesting to see the difference in 4 years time. Only 13 players remain from the team that did Hard Knocks the first time around. I wonder if any of the changes Marvin brought in after the worst press conference ever (when they announced he resigned and it sounded like nothing was changing) will be highlighted. Wonder how much follow up they'll do from the first Hard Knocks as almost every single person that got major highlighting on that has had a sad event/decline of one sort or another.

Hopefully we won't subjected to whatever the hell Andre Smith's workout routine was in the first Hard Knocks and he'll be in camp.

Will be more good storyline than people expect I bet.

-QG

 

[Faust]

Cincinnati Bengals to be on HBO's 'Hard Knocks' again?

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

We noted last week how little speculation there was about the identity of this year's team for HBO's "Hard Knocks." That changed late Friday.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati Bengals will be featured this season. The Bengals also were on the show in 2009, back when Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer were team leaders.

The news first leaked out on Friday via Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News. Domowitch, who has close ties to NFL Films, deleted his tweet not long after it went up. That was an odd development, but Reedy was able to confirm the news through his sources. Reedy says an official announcement is not likely to come for a week, possibly two at the latest.

It's different to have a team back on "Hard Knocks" so soon, but the Bengals are far different than they were back in 2009. Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and a gang of talented young defenders lead the way now.

The genius of the show is not about choosing the right team anyhow. We know from "Hard Knocks" that there is intense drama and great comedy in every training camp, and NFL Films does an incredible job year after year capturing it all. We can't wait.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[Beerguzzler]

The biggest reason why I like that the Bengals are on this season is Gio Bernard. Having the top pick in my dynasty draft, I need more info on this kid!

 

[Faust]

Hard Knocks: Cincinnati Bengals making a mistake appearing on HBO series?

By Chris Roling

COMMENTARY | The Cincinnati Bengals will appear on the 2013 edition of HBO's "Hard Knocks," according to various reports. Cincinnati is no stranger to the series having appeared on the show in 2009, but are the Bengals making a mistake with their return?

The news was first broken by Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer, and since then fans appear split on the issue. Some don't think the all-access show will cause issues while others are worried the young team could become distracted.

The last time the Bengals appeared on the show the team swept the AFC North en route to the playoffs. However, this doesn't feel like a fair comparison when looking at the 2009 and 2013 units. The 2009 team wasn't expected to do much after a disappointing campaign the year before. This year's Bengals is poised to take the next step after consecutive playoff appearances.

Just how will the young Bengals handle the pressure of the show? There's no question head coach Marvin Lewis and Co. have assembled a mature cast (a far cry from the roster in 2009) despite their collective ages, but one has to wonder how it could impact the team.

The Bengals may have a mature roster but they've failed to impress when it mattered most. Prime-time games have not been kind lately and the team has failed to do much of anything in the postseason.

Will practicing in front of "Hard Knocks" cameras change that?

Maybe that's the thought process behind saying yes to the show. Players have a tendency to get inspired in front of cameras whether it's practice or a game. However, there's also a chance the camera does more harm than good.

While the rights and wrongs of the decision could be discussed for days, there are a plethora of storylines fans are already foaming at the mouth to see when the cameras start rolling.

For one, you have Andy Dalton's development. There's also a major contract extension to watch for with Geno Atkins. To a lesser extent there may be some negotiations to watch with Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.

There's position battles too. Will Rey Maualuga find redemption? What about Vontaze Burfict inheriting the the middle linebacker spot? Where do rookies Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard fit in at their respective spots? Will strong safety see rookie Shawn Williams take over?

And there's the curious case of Andre Smith, who has missed all offseason activities to date for personal reasons. Adam Jones is in trouble with the law again. James Harrison will have a major impact on the young roster while looking to get back at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alright, maybe the Bengals were the perfect team for "Hard Knocks."

That still doesn't mean it was the right decision and it's certainly one that will be over analyzed when the dust settles on the 2013 season.

What side of the fence do you fall on at this point? Is appearing on the show bad for the team, or will it have no impact?

Chris Roling is a graduate of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. His work has appeared on Bleacher Report, Fansided, The Cincinnati Enquirer and more. He is the co-host of a Cincinnati Bengals podcast, @BengalsCentral

You can follow Chris on Twitter @Chris_Roling

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

HBO confirmed Monday that the Bengals will be the featured team on this year's edition of Hard Knocks.
It will be the Bengals' second appearance on the popular training camp reality show after they were featured in 2009. Clubs are famously leery of appearing on the program out of the fear it will be a "distraction," but two of the past three teams to be featured have gone on to make the playoffs, including the Bengals in 2009-10.


Source: HBO on Twitter

 

[Faust]

It's official: Cincinnati Bengals to appear on Hard Knocks

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

It's official. The Cincinnati Bengals are headed back to HBO to be featured on this season of "Hard Knocks."

HBO and NFL Films announced the move on Monday after word leaked out about the Bengals involvement late Friday night. The first episode is set to premiere Tuesday, Aug. 6. The Bengals were also featured on the show in 2009.

"The feedback we got from our experience with Hard Knocks in 2009 was outstanding," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in a statement. "Our fans enjoyed it tremendously and we're happy to try and provide that same experience again. Our fans love the NFL and they enjoy seeing things they don't normally get to see. We have some outstanding men, both as players and as people."

The Bengals' involvement very likely comes back to ownership. In most cities, the "football people" are hesitant to show their lives on camera. In Cincinnati, owner Mike Brown's family are the "football people." The team also has a head coach willing to embrace the experience.

"Some people say, 'Well, you won the division the last time you did this; is that a reason for doing it again?'" Lewis said. "I really don't think that matters or figures much into the decision. ... One thing I did see as a positive last time was exposing our players to another group of people who are working hard every day the way we need to work. The diligence and the effort of the people on-site is very impressive."

We got to know Lewis a lot better during the last season, especially during a blistering speech about being a professional after a preseason loss. We can't wait to see Lewis, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and a raft of talented young players behind the scenes this year.

 

[Faust]

Cincinnati Bengals on 'Hard Knocks': Most interesting storyline?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

 

[Sarnoff]

I'd rather have the Bengals than no Hard Knocks at all.

 

[WampusCat43]

Biggest topic of both seasons: when will that fat-### Andre Smith show up?