Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills continued last night with the first preseason action of the month.
Best moment: Sean McDermott calls Marv Levy
Buffalo’s current head coach calling the former head coach—and Pro Football Hall of Famer—on his 100th birthday was awesome. It’s clear that Levy remains extremely sharp-minded and very much appreciated the call knowing how busy McDermott is during camp. Also, Levy picking up immediately was funny.
Worst moment: James Cook contract situation
I assume the Bills have a decent amount of say in how the contract situation is perceived by HBO, but with Cook now signing this morning, there was almost zero drama or insight shown to viewers. As mentioned last week, Episode 1 ending with Cook repeating “business” about sitting out of practice would have been a more dramatic way to end, but Hard Knocks has frankly been watered down in recent years.
Funniest moment: K.J. Hamler catches a touchdown
Hamler was eager to get an opportunity in the preseason opener, and it came on a deep touchdown where he was able to run through and get behind the defense. After the score, Kamler was explaining how he had to run after the ball—repeating “oh s***” in a reenactment; and that’s exactly how it played out when viewers were given a look and listen to the moment.
Underrated moment: Fan loves Frank Gore Jr.
The absence of James Cook led to increased opportunities for Ray Davis—who proved he can also kick—as the starter, and also pushed Gore up the depth chart. The son of No. 3 all-time leading rusher Frank Gore, the second-year back looked like his father for a glimpse when he was low to the ground and put his hand down to rebalance himself, and a fan they were following from Bills Mafia was telling his buddies that he loves Gore.
Best quote: K.J. Hamler
“The last scooter… funny story, ah man… probably a squirrel took it.”
MVP: K.J. Hamler
Again, no real drama through two episodes, so Hamler gets MVP honors for providing the laughs—from the scooter situation to catching a touchdown. Plus, the former Penn State standout showed an edge in practice, and it’ll be interesting to track the roster battle at wide receiver over the next three weeks.