HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ may be good for Jets
One of the great questions of our times, pondered by philosophers and phonies alike, will not be answered during the Tuesday debut of HBO/NFL Films’ “Hard Knocks.”
The question: Why did the Jets organization, for months, lobby the powers-that-be to keep them off the 2023 edition of “HK,” a show the 2010 Jets took by storm, featuring their bombastic coach Rex Ryan?
Ryan came out the other end of “HK” a star who, proving the show was not a detriment to team performance, took Gang Green to the 2010 AFC Championship game. He eventually landed in ESPN’s NFL studio when he left coaching.
Jets management who witnessed the 2010 “HK” fandango — including Woody Johnson — certainly viewed the production in a positive light in terms of building a brand, ticket sales, marketing opportunities and displaying the Jets’ culture to a national audience. It even influenced players who saw Ryan’s quirky style on “HK” and wanted to come play for the Jets.
Since current coach Robert Saleh, before relenting, was an outspoken opponent of the Jets appearing on “HK,” the media focused on competitive reasons for his resistance; as if NFL Films cameras would divulge state secrets.
When they were pitched on the show, Jets brass and Saleh, were informed they would have “the final cut” aka “editorial control” before each show airs. Any “competitive” angles or “secrets” can be lifted from the show and left on the cutting room floor without meaningful debate.
With the “spy” stuff a non-factor, maybe Saleh and other’s apprehension over the Jets starring in “HK,” had something to do with the specter of Ryan’s amazing 2010 “HK” performance hanging over the 2023 production.
Maybe Ryan’s larger than life presence, even if it was 13 years ago, is something Saleh and the current Jets crew don’t want to be compared to or associated with. Yet would anyone be surprised if HBO/NFL Films crew finds an appropriate spot to insert a 2010 Jets “HK” flashback?
Saleh, who fancies himself a sloganeer, and the Jets initial resistance to appearing on “HK” was baffling. Did Saleh somehow forget his roster includes Aaron Rodgers, a media mastermind? Over the course of his career, the quarterback has handled a variety of issues, both on and off the field, played out on a national stage.
Are a few extra NFL Films cameras and microphones going to suddenly intimidate Rodgers? If anything, the added attention is a good rehearsal for the regular season. The Jets, with a treacherous early season schedule, are carrying high expectations. Any dress rehearsal dealing with the intense spotlight will only help.
Once Saleh gave his blessing, saying the NFL Films crew “answered all our questions,” the Jets have proceeded to provide seemingly endless content that’s already made national news.
Like Rodgers reworking his contract. Or Rodgers sticking up for Nathaniel Hackett, his offensive coordinator, friend, and short-lived Broncos coach, who was verbally ambushed by current Denver boss Sean Payton.
No one is saying the Jets will suddenly be volunteering for HBO’s in-season version of “HK,” but along the runway leading to Tuesday night they’ve provided plenty of juicy storylines for the training camp edition.
Even the reluctant Saleh would have to admit that.