Hard Knocks now mandatory

[MikeO]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2013/10/08/nfl-makes-hard-knocks-appearances-mandatory-for-teams/

Owners passed a new rule. They will first ask for volunteers. If nobody says yes the league will pick a team (there are a couple exceptions: teams with a new head coach, teams that have been on within 10 years, and if you made the playoffs within 2 years you can say no). But if you don't fall into one of those category's the league can force you to be the team on HARD KNOCKS and you can't refuse or stop it

[fyo]

if you made the playoffs within 2 years you can say no)

That seems like an odd rule. So, basically, only struggling franchises can be forced. Not sure how I feel about that...

[CF DolFan]

That seems like an odd rule. So, basically, only struggling franchises can be forced. Not sure how I feel about that...

I agree. I wonder if it has something to do with wanting teams to increase fans and the lower ones need the help. It's all about revenue sharing! 

I do think it exposes new fans to a team. Even my wife and daughters are pulling for the Bengals this year because of it. I would have never thought.

[fyo]

I do think it exposes new fans to a team. Even my wife and daughters are pulling for the Bengals this year because of it. I would have never thought.

I'm a huge fan of Hard Knocks (although this year's wasn't as good, IMHO) and actually have some sympathy for the Bengals this year (mostly specific players, though).

I get that teams don't like the potential "disruption" caused by ESPN's cameras, but it should be possible for it to be pretty much zero. It will require the teams to screen for content they don't want leaked (in exchange for giving the cameras reasonably free access), but that's an economic issue that's easily remedied.

[Thundergod]

Wow. That sucks.

[Dave Gray]

I think this is a good idea.  The show is good for the league and for franchises.  It may be bad for one team in one year, but the exposure that it creates should be helpful.  The Jaguars would do it every year, if they were smart.

[Phishfan]

HBO does the show, not ESPN. Also, I've watched just about every season of the show and it does not leak any secrets. It does not show anything that any other game film wouldn't. That excuse is bunk if you ask me. The show focuses on the coaches and players relationships as well as the struggle of borderline players and does not give away strategy. I'm glad that this means the show will be around a bit longer. I've always enjoyed it.

[MikeO]

HBO does the show, not ESPN. Also, I've watched just about every season of the show and it does not leak any secrets. It does not show anything that any other game film wouldn't. That excuse is bunk if you ask me. The show focuses on the coaches and players relationships as well as the struggle of borderline players and does not give away strategy. I'm glad that this means the show will be around a bit longer. I've always enjoyed it.

Plus every team has creative control and gets to air the episode before it goes on TV that week and can have anything removed they want.

[masterfins]

That seems like an odd rule. So, basically, only struggling franchises can be forced. Not sure how I feel about that...

Just like Officiating in the NFL, or NBA.  If your a regular playoff team you get the calls against your lowly opponent, or the non-calls if your the team committing the penalty.

[Brian Fein]

I think its kinda odd that the NFL as a whole wants to dictate another entity's programming. 

Otherwise, if you want to avoid it, you just have to make it to the playoffs.

I wonder if Hard Knocks gets less interesting when you have the Jaguars and Raiders on there every season.

[Sunstroke]

"With my mind on my money and my money on my mind..."
~ Snoop Dogg Goodell

[Spider-Dan]

If you've done it in the last ten years, you can decline, so JAX or OAK wouldn't be on "every season" unless they volunteered.

It is interesting that (in theory)  the current rules could mean that no one would be forced to participate.

32 teams
 - less up to 10 from the last ten years
 - less up to 24 playoff teams from the last two years
 - less every team with a new head coach

[MikeO]

If you've done it in the last ten years, you can decline, so JAX or OAK wouldn't be on "every season" unless they volunteered.

It is interesting that (in theory)  the current rules could mean that no one would be forced to participate.

32 teams
 - less up to 10 from the last ten years
 - less up to 24 playoff teams from the last two years
 - less every team with a new head coach

I think IF that rare circumstance came about the NFL would throw a lot of $$$ at a franchise to step up and take the hit and do it for a season.

And if the NFL is serious about this, next years pick (if no volunteers) should be an easy pick for league. HARD KNOCKS w/ The Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a marquee franchise, no playoffs within 2 years (assuming there is no miracle turnaround this year) and they won't have a new head coach as Tomlin isn't getting fired. They are the type of franchise you want on a show like this and the opportunity to get a team of that stature might not come around often so the league better pounce on them first chance they get. The Jacksonville's, Jets, and Bengals are fun to watch...but you want a marquee team if you can get one. And in the NFL it don't get no bigger than the Steelers!

[fyo]

you want a marquee team if you can get one. And in the NFL it don't get no bigger than the Steelers!

Steelers in 2014 and Giants in 2015, that would work

[Brian Fein]

I think as soon as the Patriots go 2 seasons without making the playoffs, they will be on Hard Knocks.  It will be their only chance to do it.  Lets hope this is year #1.