NFL Teams on Hard Knocks

The Rams are back in Los Angeles, and they’re coming to your screen via HBO’s Hard Knocks. HBO released the first trailer for its upcoming season, set to begin Aug. 9. In 2013, the NFL passed a rule that the league could compel a team to appear on Hard Knocks, as long as the team did not have a first-year head coach, had not made the playoffs over the past two seasons and had not appeared on the show in the previous 10 years.

NFL Teams on Hard Knocks

Baltimore Ravens (2001)

Bill Frakes for Sports Illustrated; Roberto Borea/AP

Some of the issues covered: The team looking to repeat as Super Bowl winners. Rookies Todd Heap's and Dwayne Missouri's adjustment to professional football. The team's adjustment after a season-ending injury to Jamal Lewis. The veterans on the team in the final years of their careers (Shannon Sharpe, Rod Woodson, Qadry Ismail, and Tony Siragusa). The quarterback competition between Elvis Grbac and Randall Cunningham. Ozzie Newsome's and Brian Billick's management of the team.

Dallas Cowboys (2002)

Eric Gay/AP

Some of the issues covered: Quincy Carter's pressure to stay the consistent starting quarterback and the acquisition of Chad Hutchinson as a backup quarterback. Rookie Roy Williams' adjustment to professional football. Emmitt Smith beginning his final season in Dallas, and his pursuit to become the NFL's all-time rushing yards leader. Dave Campo heading into his third (and eventually, final) season as Dallas' head coach.

Kansas City Chiefs (2007)

David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images

Some of the issues covered: The battle for the starting quarterback job between veteran Damon Huard and second-year player Brodie Croyle following the trade of Trent Green. Star running back Larry Johnson's contract holdout. Priest Holmes' attempted return to football after missing all of 2006 after a career-threatening neck injury. The contract holdout and later development of rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs' first-round draft pick of 2007. Boomer Grigsby's switch from linebacker to fullback. The development of rookie defensive linemen Tank Tyler and Turk McBride. The competition between two undrafted cornerbacks—Tyron Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson. Arena Football League star Bobby Sippio's attempt to catch on with an outdoor team.

Dallas Cowboys (2008)

James D. Smith/Icon SMI

Some of the issues covered: Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones' reinstatement into the NFL. Keon Lattimore, a younger brother of Ray Lewis, competing for a job. Todd Lowber, a very athletic wide receiver new to the game of football, trying to make the team. Undersized wide receiver Danny Amendola competing for a job. Rookies Felix Jones and Martellus Bennett adjusting to NFL camp for the first time.

Cincinnati Bengals (2009)

Al Behrman/AP

Some of the issues covered: The battle for the starting fullback position between Jeremi Johnson, Chris Pressley, Fui Vakapuna, and J.D. Runnels. The injuries of tight ends Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht, and the adjustment of rookie tight end Chase Coffman to the NFL. The contract holdout of offensive tackle Andre Smith, the Bengals' first-round draft pick of 2009. The battle for the starting strong safety position between veteran Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe. The recovery effort of starting quarterback Carson Palmer from an injury-plagued 2008 season. The antics and catchphrases of wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (who is now Chad Johnson). The development and maturation of wide receiver Chris Henry.

New York Jets (2010)

Al Pereira/Getty Images; Kevin Rivoli/AP

Some of the issues covered: The vocal coaching style of head coach Rex Ryan, highlighted by several sound bites that became popular after the season, such as "That's being a jackass!" and "Let's go eat a goddamn snack!" Cornerback Darrelle Revis' contract holdout. The battle for the starting fullback position between veteran Tony Richardson, journeyman Jason Davis and rookie John Conner. Second-year starting quarterback Mark Sanchez's development as the "face" of the franchise. Kris Jenkins' return after ACL surgery. Running back Danny Woodhead's attempt to make the team. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie attempting (and failing) to name all nine of his children.

Miami Dolphins (2012)

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Some of the issues covered: Contract negotiation of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The position battle between Tannehill, Matt Moore and David Garrard, with Tannehill winning the starting job after week 2 of the pre-season. The health issues of Garrard, especially after undergoing knee surgery during training camp. He was released from the team the same day the season's final episode aired. The difficulty of Les Brown in adjusting from former college basketball player to NFL tight end, and his subsequent release. The meeting in which Philbin notifies Chad Johnson (formerly Chad Ochocinco) of his release following his arrest for allegedly headbutting his wife of 41 days. The trade of cornerback Vontae Davis to the Indianapolis Colts for two future draft picks.

Cincinnati Bengals (2013)

Al Behrman/AP

Some of the issues covered: Rookie defensive lineman Larry Black's season-ending injury. Linebacker James Harrison's dislike of the camera crew at training camp. The backup quarterback position battle between Josh Johnson and John Skelton. Estonian rookie defensive end Margus Hunt's adjustment to the NFL and life in the U.S. The fullback position battle between veteran John Conner and converted tight end Orson Charles. The linebacker position battle between undrafted rookies Jayson DiManche and Bruce Taylor Linebacker Aaron Maybin's struggle to stay on the team and his pursuit of painting.

Atlanta Falcons (2014)

John Bazemore/AP; Thomson200/Wikmedia Commons

Some of the issues covered: The Falcons attempt to build more toughness into the team after a disappointing 2013 season. Veteran Kroy Biermann's attempt to return from a major injury and switch positions. Rookies Tyler Starr's and Jaques Smith's attempt to make the team.

Houston Texans (2015)

Leslie Plaza Johnson and Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire

Some of the issues covered: Brian Hoyer named starting quarterback over Ryan Mallett. Brian Cushing repeatedly vomits and Jadeveon Clowney returns to the field. J.J. Watt remains the focal point of the team.