Hard Knocks

[Kbiz]

Does anyone else hate the Hard Knocks opener? I get it - Cleveland is a hardworking, blue collar town but the city does have more to offer to professionals outside of delivery drivers, window washers, and glass carriers (like, why HBO? Why?).

It's as if the concept was created by a bunch of production interns.

 

[DJTJ]

Why is it baffling? He said he needed all the reps he could get with the offense. He came back out and was cleared to play, he put him in to get more reps.

I don't agree with it necessarily, I just don't understand what Warren Sharp finds baffling about the logic?

Agreed. Feel like if there’s a way to get on Hue, our fan base will largely take it.

Was he cleared? Yes. End of story. Reg season he goes back in the game. But he misses the rest of the reg season warmup? Eh.

 

[Pick6]

Agree with a lot of what you all are getting at for episode 4 (Cajuste a weird dude, Orchard likeable but just isn't getting it done). Only thing I have to add is that the Baker INT looked so off/probably only happened because Willies got knocked off of his crossing route right before he threw it...which is why Haley was on his ass afterwards. I didn't catch that in real time. Also found it funny Kendricks was giving insider info on the Eagles and the very next day was charged with insider trading....

 

[Matches]

While we didn't get much Josh Gordon in the episode, 2 things stuck out:

1.) While Hue uses the "new system" reason to justify Baker only getting reps with the second team, we get Josh Gordon going through the playbook and commenting how there aren't that many new plays. Now obviously Tyrod is brand new, but how new is the system, really?

2.) It's clear Haley couldn't give 2 shits about Gordon and expects virtually nothing from him. I think Hue and Dorsey have been openly giddy about Gordon, while Haley is unimpressed. Hue and Dorsey use these goofy code words "the eagle has landed", "I just seen the fish/Who, Big Fish?" et cetera, talking about Gordon and Haley is all "has he been working out?" Doesn't. Give. A. Shit. Telling Landry on the sideline that he's "not waiting for a knight in shining armor" to come in and fix everything.

 

[bronko]

While we didn't get much Josh Gordon in the episode, 2 things stuck out:

1.) While Hue uses the "new system" reason to justify Baker only getting reps with the second team, we get Josh Gordon going through the playbook and commenting how there aren't that many new plays. Now obviously Tyrod is brand new, but how new is the system, really?

I guess its a lot easier for a receiver to learn a route tree, than a qb to master all the protections, audibles, and other intricacies of an offense. But,
I think it is simply because they don't want to saddle Mayfield with the pressure of leading this 1-31 team. If the Browns lose the first 3 games (very possible, especially if there's a rookie qb), the situation could get ugly fast. The staff must think Tyrod can get us a 3-5 start or thereabouts, enabling them to bring in Baker when they are positively certain he's ready. Mayfield, with just a little seasoning, must be a clearly better qb than Taylor, or our draft process was all screwed up. Baker is being protected, thats all.


2.) It's clear Haley couldn't give 2 shits about Gordon and expects virtually nothing from him. I think Hue and Dorsey have been openly giddy about Gordon, while Haley is unimpressed. Hue and Dorsey use these goofy code words "the eagle has landed", "I just seen the fish/Who, Big Fish?" et cetera, talking about Gordon and Haley is all "has he been working out?" Doesn't. Give. A. Shit. Telling Landry on the sideline that he's "not waiting for a knight in shining armor" to come in and fix everything.

You're dead on about Haley's opinion. And even Josh Gorden can't count on Josh Gordon. I hope he proves me wrong, I don't think the odds favor it.

 

[I'mWithDan]

Agree with a lot of what you all are getting at for episode 4 (Cajuste a weird dude, Orchard likeable but just isn't getting it done). Only thing I have to add is that the Baker INT looked so off/probably only happened because Willies got knocked off of his crossing route right before he threw it...which is why Haley was on his ass afterwards. I didn't catch that in real time. Also found it funny Kendricks was giving insider info on the Eagles and the very next day was charged with insider trading....

Seeing the film, it was Baker's fault IMO.....Willies gets caught in the wash but the Eagles completely blow the coverage.....the Browns suck 3 players in to the crossing wash and the slot wins inside.

Baker absolutely HAS to recognize that....especially with a clean pocket and the slot getting inside the DB 3 steps in to his release.

The ball just has to be delivered over the middle there.....inside position on a skinny post, with no help (the single high was way too deep when the slot won.....he was 3 yards deep in the edzone), is as good as it gets in the red zone. Baker likely wanted to throw up when they went to film of this.

 

[Pick6]

@I'mWithDan you might be right. Just want to add I see 11 Browns in the pic and only 10 Eagles. I'd think Phili had a single high safety sitting there we can't see. Could be wrong though.

 

[Hurl Bruce]

Producers of Hard Knocks: "We've tied ourselves to two really lame story lines."

*Cajuste drops an easy pass, putting his job on the line*

"That's well and good, but we really need something else!"

*Orchard intercepts the pass for a pick 6*

 

[The Voice]

Producers of Hard Knocks: "We've tied ourselves to two really lame story lines."

*Cajuste drops an easy pass, putting his job on the line*

"That's well and good, but we really need something else!"

*Orchard intercepts the pass for a pick 6*

They always feature a guy who’s not likely to make the team.

 

[I'mWithDan]

@I'mWithDan you might be right. Just want to add I see 11 Browns in the pic and only 10 Eagles. I'd think Phili had a single high safety sitting there we can't see. Could be wrong though.

Yes, I mentioned the single high but couldn’t find the all-22. He was in the end zone as the play developed.....he had absolutely no chance to close on that if the ball is out as he wins inside.

With the linebacker sucking up, Baker could have hit him between the 8-6 yard line. The slot maybe doesn’t score if the single high can make the tackle but you certainly complete that pass if the recognition is there.

 

[natedagg]

Seeing the film, it was Baker's fault IMO.....Willies gets caught in the wash but the Eagles completely blow the coverage.....the Browns suck 3 players in to the crossing wash and the slot wins inside.

Baker absolutely HAS to recognize that....especially with a clean pocket and the slot getting inside the DB 3 steps in to his release.

The ball just has to be delivered over the middle there.....inside position on a skinny post, with no help (the single high was way too deep when the slot won.....he was 3 yards deep in the edzone), is as good as it gets in the red zone. Baker likely wanted to throw up when they went to film of this.

Bro I didn’t know you got down like that. Nice breakdown. You see way more of the game than I do! Keep ‘em coming.

EDIT: spelling autocorrect.

 

[Ohio]

"Put your testicles in the C gap"

 

[The Voice]

Hue sounds like an idiot when he tells the player they’re cut. The I’ll do anything to help you line is loaded bullshit.

 

[dark2332]

Eliot has to make all the depressing cut calls and tell them they’re fucked.

Hue immediately after Eliot, “Sup dawg. You’re my best friend. That damn, Eliot. This was all his idea. I actually love you. Will you father my children?”

 

[chrisrich91]

What an incredible series.

That was my first season watching Hard Knocks, and I was completely blown away.

As if I needed to be anymore invested in this abusive franchise...I need this group to be the start of the turnaround. NEED IT.