Three Segments Jets' Fans Deserve to See in 'Hard Knocks' Episode 4
The first of two remaining "Hard Knocks" episodes will debut Tuesday night, August 29 at 10:00 pm ET as opportunities to get an intimate look at the New York Jets are dwindling.
With Gang Green having closed out its preseason schedule against the New York Giants this past weekend, the intensity will likely turn up in Episode 4, especially for those players on the roster bubble.
Episode 3 finally delivered the undrafted rookie and underdog stories that I was hoping for all along. The profile on defensive tackle Tanzel Smart followed by UDFA receiver Jerome Kapp's showstopping Eminem impersonation were welcomed developments after much of the series had been revolving around Aaron Rodgers. It'll be worth watching to see if the producers revisit either one of these two personalities moving forward.
Here are three story topics I hope to see emerge within the next 60 minutes of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets."
The AR-GW Connection
I'm resigned to the fact that the Aaron Rodgers love fest will continue, and I'm okay with it as long as they bring another key character into the spotlight alongside the four-time NFL MVP.
Second-year receiver Garrett Wilson is a rising star who should be a frequent target of Rodgers in the passing game this fall. The future Hall-of-Fame field general has raved about Wilson, even drawing comparisons to All-Pro Davante Adams in the receivers' ability to get out of the break.
QB1 and WR1 began building a rapport back during OTAs and it appeared to be in mid-season form this past Saturday. On the field for nine snaps, Rodgers completed three passes to Wilson punctuated by a pretty 14-yard scoring strike. The Jets' top receiver also drew a 22-yard defensive pass interference penalty on a throw from Rodgers.
Whether it's off the field or during live action, the relationships between players has usually made for compelling content since HBO launched the docuseries in 2001. Hopefully, the producers give us a look at the special relationship that is seemingly developing between a decorated 39-year-old QB and an immensely-talented 23-year-old pass-catcher.
The Amazing Mrs. Saleh
In Episode 3, the viewers learned that the Jets' third-year head coach Robert Saleh is the father of seven children.
One of the kids made an on-screen cameo while attending training camp practice and apparently, accidentally, hit Rodgers in the face. Where were the other six Saleh children though? Was the missus flying solo handling primary parenting duties for the day?
The in-season time demands of an NFL head coaching job undoubtedly keep the 44-year-old Saleh at the office until the early morning hours and severely limit the opportunity to partake in family activities. That means Mrs. Saleh is likely taking care of seven minors by herself during the autumn months. Such an amazing feat deserves some recognition on "Hard Knocks."
How about a glimpse of life in the Saleh household? Maybe follow the head coach home after practice one day?
The Specialists' Dynamic
Kickers are people, too.
The third episode provided a funny and entertaining bit on long-time NFL punter Thomas Morstead, who was observed sprinting off the field after holding for Greg Zuerlein on placekicks.
Morstead, who won a Super Bowl as a rookie with the New Orleans Saints in 2009, can motor for a 37-year-old, but I would love to see how his speed stacks up against his fellow specialists. I know an on-camera race between Morstead, Zuerlein and longsnapper Thomas Hennessy is probably a long shot, but it would be great if the producers gave these veteran specialists some more airtime.
It seems as if all three men have a great working relationship together and they project to be one of the most-productive kicking operations in the league. Morstead told Jets Country back in June that the chance to team up with Hennessy and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer again was an appealing idea that influenced his signing.
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