It’s been a lot of fun watching Hard Knocks this season. As someone who doesn’t follow football regularly, I’ve been drawn in by the startling intimacy of this inside look at the pre-season New York Jets. Last night’s edition, which followed the team onto the field for a pre-season game against the Washington Redskins, and into the Jets’ offices to witness players getting cut from the team, was typically transfixing.
The HBO cameras know they have a prize in coach Rex Ryan, a walking, talking human football who articulates his philosophy with pungence: “We’ll ground and pound the livin’ s— outta ya.” As reality TV, Hard Knocks’ production values are mighty impressive: The cameras seem to capture everything with crisp clarity; every player’s slightest remark seemed to be picked up by a microphone.
Watching the blunt criticism the players endure on the field from various coaches, and the delicate negotiations that occur with various players, I was surprised at how much the Jets organization, and the players themselves, were willing to allow us to see. Sure, there’s a lot of footage that makes quarterback Mark Sanchez look like a golden boy, but there’s also ridiculousness such as various goofball Jets scarfing down cheeseburgers on the field during the game. (Coach Ryan did not partake, but did his chewing in the locker room, letting the eaters know he thought each one was “bein’ a jackass.”)
Next Wednesday is the season finale of Hard Knocks. Have you been watching? I’d be interested to hear from some football fans more informed than I am about your thoughts on this season of the show.
I love this show and have watched every season – really great to see what happens behind-the-scenes in the NFL!
Great show, but they’re trying a little too hard to make the Jets look better than they actually are. They’ve looked TERRible in the preseason (which usually doesn’t mean much, but their starters have stunk on ice.
Yes they have. Just like the Cowboys they’ve been set up as going to the Superbowl before training camp even started and I think that will be to their detriment. Add to the fact Revis probably won’t be around for a while and the injuries already suffered and I just don’t see it happening.
i think as a fan of the jets is amazing. i watched that game against the redskins and i was pissed. and after watching tonight’s episode is like… i get it, i get the coaches and even the players. that speech/rant by rex to his boys at the meeting, that touched me. thats what being a good football team is about; passion. that episode showed rex’s passion, and the players and most of all that they know that all of their fans think this has been a terrible preseason. i’m not worried though, just so exited.
I’d be worried, homeboy. They do this every year (making the team they’re focusing on look better than they actually are). Jets defense is great, don’t get me wrong, but Adrian Grenier at QB might not be able to get it done. Ya dig?
J-E-T-S suck suck suck! Enjoy being 8-8 this year losers.
GO PHINS
I wouldn’t get too confident, Chris. I’m not very good.
Chrissy,
Wouldn’t 8-8 be an over achievement for your team? Remind me of your record last year? Is that the Dolphags goal for this season? Don’t worry, you and your sorry @ss girls club can watch the Jets on TV again come January. Oh and Pennington will be starting by week 8.
You’re the one with the brains here. I’m wtacihng for your posts.
This week is their last pre season game. This week’s game will feature most of the rookies that are still trying to make the team before final cuts are made.
This has been a great season of Hard Knocks but a correction for you…the game against the Redskins wasn’t the last preseason game. They have one more this weekend.
Fixed. Thanks!
I wonder if this show will hit the point like “Real World” where it won’t be a show offering an inside look and a show full of wanna-be actors or fame whores. I just hope that if it does continues, the teams selected will be those not necessarily the popular ones.
Haven’t missed an episode and always enjoy the first “unedited” run. Rex Ryan is a great coach, passionate, humorous and frank when he has to be. His speech last night was awesome! After seeing what goes on behind the scenes leading up to the actual game itself, we can appreciate how much everyone wants a shot at making the team and how difficult it is to have to let someone go. Looking forward to the finale next week (and sad to see it end.)
Great show. This is it’s 5th or 6th year and it just gets better and better. The NFL Films crew not only captures the on-the-field. happenings with its usual great artistry, but the off-the-field footage is equally compelling.
This show is always fascinating and this year is no different. It always amazes me what the NFL lets them air – it isn’t called the No Fun League for no reason, after all.
Tucker love Friday Night Lights and show about crappy Jets, but he doesn’t watch football? Hahahaha! Go back to your Golden Girls reruns and Scyfy channel!
after watching a ptccriae at the Senior Bowl on Monday. I had hoped it would be matchups that would be notable and in its own way, with what the Packers are about and what the Steelers are about, it makes a great game. If you’re in my shoes right now as far as the Cowboys Stadium is concerned, I’m really proud that they’re going to be there. I’m proud for North Texas. Spin control on what matters most to him. His damn stadium. Even if a team wins a 7th super bowl in front of him and goes 2 ahead of his franchise. That doesn’t matter. fill the seats. GARRETT TOP WILL NOT TAKE US TO THE PROMISE LAND.
Now lets go get a G*D* snack
I spent most of my childhood sitting in Shea watching the Jets play football as well as go to Hofstra to watch them in preseason practice. My father was a friend of Gerry Philbin and it was fun to watch them up close and in person. This season brought back memories and was a great excuse for my 17 year old (Dolphin fan) son watch a show with me!
First off, let me say how much I loathe reality shows but as for Hard Knocks, I really enjoy it! Sure, it’s all played up for the cameras but not to the degree it is for all the other reality garbage. Didn’t watch last year as I wasn’t interested in the team but the Jets I find quite interesting.
I was able 2 tune in 2 the last fews episodes of hard knocks on hbo. Can anyone tell me y is was censored?