Jets' 'Hard Knocks' Review: Grading Key Moments from Episode 2
The second episode in the "Hard Knocks" series dropped and it's time to run through the key takeaways.
The show highlighted numerous facets of the New York Jets' organization, but I've selected four elements to dissect below.
If you want even more "Hard Knocks" coverage, listen to our full breakdown on the Jets Country Podcast where I go in-depth with SI.com's lead Jets writer Ralph Ventre.
Oz Pearlman Magic Show
Grade: B
There are strong opinions coming out of the Episode 2 intro that involved Oz Pearlman, a new-age David Copperfield performing mind tricks in a full team meeting. You can see players reacting shocked and amazed, but on the counter, you can see others less impressed and even seen giving an eyeroll. He was clearly brought in for "Hard Knocks" purposes and entertainment value, which it did provide. Pearlman’s cameo will likely pay dividends now for family, friend and team events for being featured on such a large stage, despite it not really being football-centric. Regardless, there was value in the segment that linked back to mind control and believing in the team's potential moving forward. Metaphorically, every player is a piece that completes the puzzle and has a role to play in winning Super Bowl LVIII, 31-21, against the 49ers.
Intensified Dramatics
Grade: A
This episode did a good job of highlighting the good, bad and ugly from the past week of team activities. Jets' fans know where the holes exist on the roster, but this episode put the issues under a microscope. Coming straight out of the light-hearted intro segment, the series cut to multiple intense fights breaking out at training camp practice in Florham Park. This perspective helped humanize the team for the viewer because leading up to that moment, it seemed like it was all butterflies and rainbows. The average viewer knows that is how real, so it provided a heightened level of entertainment value, and potentially even worry for fans for fear that there are issues deeper than surface level. Additionally, it highlighted the issues presented by the offensive line, both literally and figuratively. After the joint practice with Carolina, Saleh made an example out of his O-Line. Holding them accountable for subpar performance, the head coach unleashed a hard-hitting soundbite in a team meeting. The tactic proved to be an effective one, resulting in a cohesive effort in the preseason shutout win over the Panthers.
Will McDonald Portion of Program
Grade: C+
This score is heavily weighted with the good McDonald content that came out of the win over Carolina. The hype around McDonald on the field is real and even being recognized by his opponents. We saw them give him props for being "shifty" and making their jobs a lot harder. There are high expectations and hopes for the edge rusher this season, but there was one segment that missed the mark. The nation could have done without the McDonald lifestyle highlight that documented his face-piercing journey. The production shows him walking into a mom and pop piercing establishment where the cameras then capture McDonald getting his ear, eyebrow and nose pierced by so guy named "Bussy." There was little-to-no entertainment value, outside of critiquing just how close to the bottom of the nostril the technician placed the nose piercing. It was rather bothersome and a lazy way to feature McDonald.
Q-Ball and A-Rod
Grade: A+
Honorable mention is due to the producers for focusing more on Quinnen Williams and the defense this episode. The viewer got to capture a bit of his personality, as well as ability in proudly tallying 10+ sacks in a day's work. Also, shoutout to the producers for the way in which they highlighted Aaron Rodgers this episode. It was less worshipping, and more value for each segment he took part in. From his no-look passes not being as predictable as Zach Wilson believes, his ritual of grounding himself and assessing wind conditions by picking grass from the field, his relationships with the refs and the reunion with Panthers' assistant coach James Campen. Each moment provided value. Note to Rodgers though, MetLife Stadium turf is artificial, so that might be a tough adjustment from the Lambeau Field tundra.
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