“Hard Knocks” Drama
July 24th, 2017
Talks Bucs and “Hard Knocks.”
One reason Bucs fans are so geeked for training camp is “Hard Knocks” is in Tampa and will highlight the Bucs this summer.
For those living in a cave the past six months, “Hard Knocks” is an NFL Films-produced reality series documenting a team in training camp and broadcast on HBO. Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith, a veteran of “Hard Knocks,” bristles when folks call it a “reality series.”
Smith, instead, calls it a documentary.
Joe has noticed a lot of Bucs fans have either never watched Hard Knocks or have an idea what it is about. Joe has a friend, a hardcore sports fan. She has season tickets to the Lightning and if she is not in front of her TV watching the Bucs, Seminoles football, Rays, Lightning or NASCAR, it means she is ill and in bed.
She had never watched “Hard Knocks” before, despite it being rebroadcast often on NFL Network (free), and thought it was a season-long reality series.
Joe gets a lot of questions on this here website from fans thinking it’s an X’s and O’s show. It is nothing of the sort and those that think it is will be sorely disappointed.
Basically, “Hard Knocks” picks roughly eight or nine guys to follow both on and off the field (including following them with their girlfriends/wives or family). Often included are two or three rookie free agents or late-round draft picks.
Naturally, “Hard Knocks” will follow the kicking battle of the Bucs, no question. Joe would be shocked if “Hard Knocks” doesn’t follow Brent Grimes off the field, specifically because of Miko. A lot of folks, including AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, think Kwon Alexander will be highlighted. Joe doesn’t see that only because, in reality, Alexander is a laid back dude… until he gets on the field. He has a fantastic Twitter personality and a wonderful game aura, but away from the field Alexander is a nondescript kind of guy, certainly not a TV-ready personality.
This is sort of a show about people, with football as a backdrop.
That’s not a knock on Alexander whatsoever. Joe just knows what TV producers look for and it isn’t wallflowers.
Now even though “Hard Knocks” producers swear there is plenty happening to tell enough stories, Joe is as suspicious of reality TV producers as he is agents.
Producers aren’t paid to document facts. Their job is to get eyeballs to the TV and get viewers to put down the remotes. If reality TV producers can drum up compelling drama, all the better.
(In the recent “Hard Knocks” featuring the Rams, Lamarcus Joyner threatened to quit and give up football if he wasn’t playing, and he didn’t show up for a morning practice as a result. That was the type of compelling drama NFL Films producers drool for: suspense, friction, angst.)
It is this line of thinking that has the creator, curator and overall guru of “Pro Football Talk,” the great Mike Florio, believing NFL Films producers have already concocted drama to follow and it involves Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken and wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Remember when Monken said he told Jackson, in so many words, ”Hey you got paid so now it’s time to earn it?’ Florio, being the cynic of the highest order, wondered recently on his weekday morning TV show, “PFT Live,” seen on NBC Sports Network, if Monken was coached up by “Hard Knocks” folks to create a storyline for them to follow.
“Listen, this stuff just doesn’t happen accidentally,” Florio explained. “Part of what [Jackson] is going to have to deal with possibly being a decoy. The guy who runs down the field to draw coverage away from Mike Evans, O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate, etc. Will he be happy with that? Will he grumble about that? What else will Todd Monken have to say about DeSean Jackson or to DeSean Jackson in training camp? Oh, coincidentally, we are going to find out on “Hard Knocks.”
Florio went so far as to suggest maybe Monken’s words were not encouraged by “Hard Knocks” producers but a coy way for Monken to get face time on “Hard Knocks” to further his street cred.
“That’s the way to become widely known,” Florio said. “Maybe that’s [Monken’s] goal here. Maybe he is not trying to send a message to DeSean Jackson?”
Joe thinks Monken is one helluva coach and Joe doesn’t think he’s remotely that devious or conniving to spout off about Jackson in order to have “Hard Knocks” cameras following him around for pure personal gain.
However, Joe wouldn’t be shocked one iota if NFL Films producers approached Jackson and Monken and said they wanted Monken to tee off on Jackson to drum up a storyline this summer, so long as both were good with that.
Again, reality TV producers have one goal in mind: draw and keep eyeballs with interesting, compelling content whether it be real or pseudo. What better way for “Hard Knocks” to secure a juicy storyline than to invent faux friction between the offensive coordinator and the new, high-priced star wide receiver?
July 24th, 2017 at 10:31 am
The Seminole will always be sucking the hind teat behind the Gators because that’s just the way it is.
July 24th, 2017 at 10:32 am
@Joe … ” Joe wouldn’t be shocked one iota if NFL Films producers approached Jackson and Monken and said they wanted Monken to tee off on Jackson to drum up a storyline this summer, so long as both were good with that.” Sorry Joe, but it sounds like you’re turning into a conspiracy-theorist yourself. What’s next? Maybe approaching The Donald to see if he can spice up Hard Knocks with a few tweets from the WH?
July 24th, 2017 at 10:43 am
I bet that Canadian tight end will be picked as a compelling undrafted free agent story. I forgot his name, but he has a very uphill battle and sounds like a hockey player
July 24th, 2017 at 11:03 am
SoFlo:
EXCELLENT call! Joe would lay cash on that. Good thinking!
July 24th, 2017 at 11:07 am
Defense:
Not saying or suggesting that is fact. But if, say, three months from now, someone at One Buc Palace whispered in Joe’s ear that actually happened, wouldn’t surprise Joe one bit. Not one iota.
Again, we’re not talking about news producers here. We’re talking about guys, again, putting together the most interesting package to lure in casual and non-football fans.
(Two years ago, Joe had an NFL Network producer tell him that the worst programming ratings-wise for the network was X’s and O’s shows. Was told they always get the fewest viewers. And you know what? How many X’s and O’s shows do you see on the NFL Network, BSPN or FOX Sports?)
July 24th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Like I said Miko doesn’t think the NFL has the balls to put the cameras in front of her for hard knocks
July 24th, 2017 at 11:34 am
You can tell Florio was picked on a ton in school too
July 24th, 2017 at 11:46 am
Joe
Excellent piece! Some may not get why Smitty was adamant in calling it a documentary and not a “reality show”. That’s because “reality shows” are as unreal as it gets. They are carefully set up and largely scripted.
If the Moncken/DJAX was a setup…then we have a reality show for sure. I do not know but I surely hope that’s not the case.
I totally agree that Hard Knocks is far more a “human interest” series than a football show. And that’s a large part of it’s success. I’ve seen stuff on Hard Knocks that just doesn’t normally get covered. How much jock talk can we really take? How much technical analysis…will the Bucs be playing more 3-4 defense? What will the offense look like…those take a back seat because that stuff is covered so broadly the rest of the year.
And so I hope Stevie T shows up. I really admire this kid and how he handled his transfer and paid his own way…living in a car…good stuff. Remember the Robby Benson basketball movie when his coach tried to get him to quit and when he didn’t and succeeded told the Benson character he hung on like “grim death”. Stevie T is like that.
I’ve never seen Benenoch interviewed…Joe can tell us if Caleb has any potential but I gotta say I’m fascinated by any 300 pounder who was once a pretty good soccer player. You just don’t see many giants playing that sport…lots of running…speed is important…Benenoch btw was the fastest OL at the combine his year.
Those are two guys I’d like to know more up close and personal as the old line went. Then again they may be totally boring interviews.
Whatever…I’m jacked! I’m looking forward to a look in my teams locker room.
I just hope Smitty is right and it’s a documentary and not just another STAGED reality show. If it is…they’re FIRED!
July 24th, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Sure they do. Like any recording, they can always edit out what they don’t want. 🙂
July 24th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
The one thing that fans forget about the NFL is not only is it a business but it is an entertainment business!! Just like the “reality tv” shows i am sure the producers will put their “spin” on it
July 24th, 2017 at 12:29 pm
wouldnt surprise me if doug martin and the RBs have some sort of consistent storyline plenty of drama there as well
July 24th, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Safe bet. Not sure how much of a focus but certainly won’t be ignored.
July 24th, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Absolutely. More like “surreality shows.”
July 24th, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Would be very surprised if Benenoch is featured much if at all. Sure, the Bucs think he has promise or they wouldn’t have kept him. Unless NFL Films digs up something in this guy’s background that is interesting, he is, to use an NFL phrase, a JAG (Just A Guy).
You have to put yourself into a casual fan’s seat. If you live, in say, Montana, and you might watch a half-dozen regular season games, what is it about Benenoch that would get you to sit on the couch, put the remote down, and watch anything about him? Don’t think he is fighting for a job, so you can’t hang your hat on that.
Leonard Wester? Perhaps, partially because he’s a bubble guy and partially because he’s from a small college and his old man can’t watch many Bucs games because he is a state trooper in Iowa who often works Sundays.
“Hard Knocks” producers like bubble guys.
July 24th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
I bet the Dline gets attention.
And I fully expect Godwin and Walker to get covered. Walker especially given the story of his struggle and hard work.
And yeah, RB has to be in there.
What I really want is for Winston and Kwon to be noticed and earn respect on a national level. Hope they talk about the charity work Winston does off the field.
July 24th, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Some, maybe. GMC, sure (already has). Noah Spence? Possible. Robert Ayers? Possible.
Godwin? Doubtful, unless he is horrible in training camp and Todd Monken is all over him. Too nice of a guy and he is unlikely to be in danger of being cut. No drama, no suspense, no intrigue.
Walker? Only because he is a CFL transplant and very much a bubble guy, and “Hard Knocks” likes bubble guys. “Hard work?” Pppfffttt! That’s boring for most hardcare NFL fans. Imagine how yawn-producing that would be for the target audience? Folks wouldn’t be able to change the channel quick enough. “Hey, look at this guy, he deserves a job because he pumps weights and runs, let’s watch him clean-and-jerk and run on a high school track… ” — CLICK!
Winston will be featured, no question. But you are thinking like a hardcore football fan. Again, “Hard Knocks” is going after casual or non-football fans. As Joe stated above, Kwon is a wallflower off the field. That’s not a knock at all. Knowing what “Hard Knocks” features (personalities, drama, intrigue, suspense), Kwon doesn’t fit either of those descriptions. He’s reserved off the field, he isn’t in danger of losing his job, there is no intrigue or suspense about him at all. Can see “Hard Knocks” making reference to his murdered brother and how that motivates Kwon, but outside of that? Nothing there “Hard Knocks” would focus on for five straight episodes.
July 24th, 2017 at 2:40 pm
“Joe wouldn’t be shocked one iota if NFL Films producers approached Jackson and Monken and said they wanted Monken to tee off on Jackson to drum up a storyline this summer, so long as both were good with that.”
I’m as apt to believe a good conspiracy theory as not until proven otherwise – but this seems quite the reach.
Good potential story lines are:
– Kicker competition/Aguayo’s past struggles after being drafted so high
– The Doug Martin situation (although its possible the Bucs ask them not to focus on that and the request is granted)
– Jameis Winston
– Brent & Miko
– Stevie T -7th rd pick with a great backstory
– Sweezy’s comeback and Marpet’s move to center
– GMCs vow to look deep within and be more of an impact player this year
– Peyton Barber has a good back story and is on the bubble
– Agree about TE Auclair being a good candidate -they like to be able to show a couple underdogs “make it” and Auclair seems a likely candidate.
July 24th, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Anyone remember this game?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/los-angeles-rams/0ap3000000603953/TNF-Storylines-Aaron-Donald-dominating-Buccaneers
July 24th, 2017 at 3:09 pm
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, again, “Hard Knocks” likes bubble guys and with his story of sleeping in a car, perfect for “Hard Knocks.”
Quite possible. Moreso Marpet (great story, interesting off-field family) than Sweezy, but Sweezy won’t be totally ignored, going to guess.
He’s already been featured, so yeah.
Does he have a back story? But yeah, a bubble guy trying to hang on. Related to Doug Martin story.
Never thought of Auclair until a commenter pointed him out this morning, but he is perfect for “Hard Knocks.” That is right up their alley. Canadian who never played college football in America trying to make roster with a crowded TE field overshadowed by Howard and Brate. Almost too perfect.
July 24th, 2017 at 3:16 pm
“– Peyton Barber has a good back story and is on the bubble
(Joe) – Does he have a back story? ”
From Wiki:
Barber was diagnosed with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[12][13]
Barber declared for the 2016 NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season with two years of eligibility remaining. He stated his reasoning was so that he can help provide for his mom, who is currently homeless.[14]
Barber appeared on HBO’s Vice premiering on March 31, 2017. The episode titled “End Of Amateurism” was about recent lawsuit claims against the NCAA. The episode chronicled him opting for the NFL draft rather than finishing his education due to financial reasons.[15]
July 24th, 2017 at 3:24 pm
OK, the element about his mother is certainly “Hard Knocks” worthy. How much? Not sure.
July 24th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Joe – Factor in that Barber likely knew he would be either a late round pick or more likely a UDFA – and that his chances of “making it” in the NFL were severely reduced in coming out early – but he had enough confidence in his abilities to do it anyway. A calculated risk that resulted in Peyton earning enough on the practice squad last year initially and then being on the 53 man roster to help his mom get a stable place to live. That’s a compelling story if you ask me and makes you want to root for the guy to succeed.