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8 teams could be forced into Hard Knocks, who do you want?
by Andrew Krammer
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/..._into_NFLs_reality_show_who_do_you_want053114
The NFL had a hard time finding volunteers for HBO's popular Hard Knocks reality show last season, so they changed the rulebook.
Minnesota Vikings first-year head coach Mike Zimmer has taken part of the series, which provides a relatively in-depth look at a team's training camp, three times -- once as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in 2002 and twice while with the Cincinnati Bengals (2009, 2013).
But Minnesota can't be forced into it again after the NFL provided three criteria that would make certain teams untouchable. The Vikings fall under two of the three: (1) a new head coach and (2) playoff berth in previous two seasons. Teams are also exempt if they have been subjects of the series within the past 10 seasons. However, teams are always open to volunteer if they want.
But eight teams don't fall under any of the exemptions. Even though there reportedly are volunteers already, take your pick of the eight teams that could be forced into it:
Jacksonville Jaguars -- Probably at the bottom of the barrel in terms of both popular vote and NFL interest. After the team let Maurice Jones-Drew walk, Blake Bortles would be one of the only storylines. And they've already said Chad Henne is the starter.
Pittsburgh Steelers -- Watching the former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator in Mike Tomlin would be entertaining in the scope of turning around a proud franchise. But how willing of a participant would the Steelers be?
Buffalo Bills -- At a time when they're hiring advisors to discuss the team's sale, a little publicity could go a long way. However, it's unlikely the NFL would want to highlight a franchise that hasn't been above .500 in a decade.
Oakland Raiders -- The Raiders created some buzz during the draft and their diehard fan base and enigmatic culture could provide an interesting take for Hard Knocks. Plus, the additions of both quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Derek Carr, along with linebacker Khalil Mack, add storylines.
New York Giants -- Speaking of willing participants, it's tough to see Tom Coughlin inviting more cameras into the country's largest media market. However, Eli Manning's recovery from ankle surgery, along with increasing pressure on a downtrodden 2013 squad would provide a decent show.
Chicago Bears -- The lone NFC North team on this list may be the best option if the NFL had to choose. Big things are expected of Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall in Year 2 of the Marc Trestman era. It'd probably be difficult for the average Vikings fan to take seeing Jared Allen in blue and orange, but the Bears are in my Top 2 for Hard Knocks on this list.
St. Louis Rams -- The other team in my Top 2, the Rams would be the next best option for the NFL. After drafting two maulers for the offensive and defensive lines in the NFL Draft, they also stole the show by taking a chance on Michael Sam. Head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Sam Bradford should be expected to make major strides, even though they're in one of the NFL's toughest divisions.
Arizona Cardinals -- Sure, there's star power with Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald, but who wants to see 34-year-old Carson Palmer? Bruce Arians would be a great personality for the show, but it's hard to think Arizona would be the NFL's first choice.
Are there any teams you want to see on the NFL's reality show? I, for one, am rooting for Cleveland to volunteer and air at least one weekly show live from Las Vegas. (Johnny! Johnny!)
by Andrew Krammer
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/..._into_NFLs_reality_show_who_do_you_want053114
The NFL had a hard time finding volunteers for HBO's popular Hard Knocks reality show last season, so they changed the rulebook.
Minnesota Vikings first-year head coach Mike Zimmer has taken part of the series, which provides a relatively in-depth look at a team's training camp, three times -- once as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in 2002 and twice while with the Cincinnati Bengals (2009, 2013).
But Minnesota can't be forced into it again after the NFL provided three criteria that would make certain teams untouchable. The Vikings fall under two of the three: (1) a new head coach and (2) playoff berth in previous two seasons. Teams are also exempt if they have been subjects of the series within the past 10 seasons. However, teams are always open to volunteer if they want.
But eight teams don't fall under any of the exemptions. Even though there reportedly are volunteers already, take your pick of the eight teams that could be forced into it:
Jacksonville Jaguars -- Probably at the bottom of the barrel in terms of both popular vote and NFL interest. After the team let Maurice Jones-Drew walk, Blake Bortles would be one of the only storylines. And they've already said Chad Henne is the starter.
Pittsburgh Steelers -- Watching the former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator in Mike Tomlin would be entertaining in the scope of turning around a proud franchise. But how willing of a participant would the Steelers be?
Buffalo Bills -- At a time when they're hiring advisors to discuss the team's sale, a little publicity could go a long way. However, it's unlikely the NFL would want to highlight a franchise that hasn't been above .500 in a decade.
Oakland Raiders -- The Raiders created some buzz during the draft and their diehard fan base and enigmatic culture could provide an interesting take for Hard Knocks. Plus, the additions of both quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Derek Carr, along with linebacker Khalil Mack, add storylines.
New York Giants -- Speaking of willing participants, it's tough to see Tom Coughlin inviting more cameras into the country's largest media market. However, Eli Manning's recovery from ankle surgery, along with increasing pressure on a downtrodden 2013 squad would provide a decent show.
Chicago Bears -- The lone NFC North team on this list may be the best option if the NFL had to choose. Big things are expected of Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall in Year 2 of the Marc Trestman era. It'd probably be difficult for the average Vikings fan to take seeing Jared Allen in blue and orange, but the Bears are in my Top 2 for Hard Knocks on this list.
St. Louis Rams -- The other team in my Top 2, the Rams would be the next best option for the NFL. After drafting two maulers for the offensive and defensive lines in the NFL Draft, they also stole the show by taking a chance on Michael Sam. Head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Sam Bradford should be expected to make major strides, even though they're in one of the NFL's toughest divisions.
Arizona Cardinals -- Sure, there's star power with Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald, but who wants to see 34-year-old Carson Palmer? Bruce Arians would be a great personality for the show, but it's hard to think Arizona would be the NFL's first choice.
Are there any teams you want to see on the NFL's reality show? I, for one, am rooting for Cleveland to volunteer and air at least one weekly show live from Las Vegas. (Johnny! Johnny!)
