Three Things Viewers Need to See in 'Hard Knocks' Episode 3
We've seen some good, some funny and even some ugly through two episodes of HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets."
With Episode 3 due out on Tuesday, August 22 at 10:00 pm ET, there are a number of potentially-entertaining topics that I'm hoping to see included as the five-episode series reaches its midway point.
We're almost guaranteed to get our healthy weekly dose of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, but there are other characters worth featuring, including an assistant coach and a trio of undrafted players.
Here are three ideas for segments that I hope to see in Episode 3.
Ron Middleton Screen Time
The Jets have a true football treasure on their coaching staff in 58-year-old Ron Middleton. The tight ends coach, who exudes personality, has an oratory delivery that will make any player want to run through a wall.
Middleton, who played 10 years in the NFL before embarking on a coaching career, seems like the perfect candidate for a memorable "Hard Knocks" segment ie former Cleveland Browns' offensive line coach Bob Wylie in 2018.
Having been entrenched in the game for so long, Middleton undoubtedly has wisdom to impart on the viewers. The well-respected assistant coach was the man chosen to serve as Jets' acting head coach when COVID protocols kept Robert Saleh out of a 2021 regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Middleton-led Jets posted a 26-21 win over the Jags on December 26 that season.
At the very least, "Hard Knocks" producers can give us a glimpse of a Ron Middleton speech. I would love a re-enactment of the gem he delivered at the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl while coaching the National Team.
"If it moves, hit it! If it don't move, hit it! And if you're not sure, guess what? Hit it!"
Rookie on Roster Bubble
Gang Green has a number of intriguing undrafted rookies on its 90-man roster and more than one may wind up surviving cutdown day. Let's get an inside look at one of these guys and their fight for a coveted roster spot.
In a battle for the sixth receiver role, Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson have made their share of wow plays on the practice field. Brownlee was the team's leading receiver (4 rec, 50 yds) in Saturday's preseason contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while Gipson made two catches to go along with contributions in the return game.
On defense, undrafted rookie safety Trey Dean deserves some love from the cameras. The Florida product, who saw his draft stock fall because of a disappointing 40 time, made a game-high nine tackles against the Bucs. His training camp efforts may convince the team to keep a fifth safety on the 53-man roster.
LISTEN Jets Country Podcast's 'Hard Knocks' Reaction
Rodgers and the Boys Off the Field
It doesn't have to be outside of the facility, but how about a look at quarterback Aaron Rodgers interacting with his teammates when they're not in a practice or game setting?
Whether it's in the meeting room or at the dinner table, the dynamic between the future Hall-of-Famer and his new friends is worth exploring. One of the more entertaining moments from Episode 2 was when the quarterbacks were watching film of Rodgers taking snaps and guessing whether the play result was run or pass.
Is there any chance that a camera followed Rodgers and his buddies during their July 28 trip to Broadway? CJ Uzomah, Solomon Thomas and Tim Boyle joined their quarterback at a Friday night showing of "Back to the Future" the Musical at the Winter Garden Theatre.
The more behind-the-scenes interactions and conversations, the better, in most cases (see below).
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