‘Hard Knocks: Los Angeles’ Episode 3 Superlatives

Best moment: Clay Johnston’s video call

We’ve gotten to know seventh-round rookie linebacker Clay Johnston throughout the first two episodes of Hard Knocks: Los Angeles, but we learned last night that his father, Kent Johnston, was the former strength and conditioning coach for the Packers and the best man at Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre’s wedding. The talk between Johnston and his dad was cool, but then Favre (whom Johnston calls “Papa Favre”) hopped onto the call, and the three of them had some good laughs while the rookie received some motivation and tips. We also saw an old baby photo of Favre holding Johnston like a football, and Kent and Favre ribbed Clay by saying he’s the way he is because Brett actually threw him into the wall there.

 

Worst moment: Keenan Allen vs. Chris Harris Jr.

As Hard Knocks narrator Live Schreiber said, “iron sharpens iron.” The competition between teammates—especially two Pro Bowl players like Keenan Allen and Chris Harris Jr.—should make them both better, but the two had a fierce rivalry when Harris played for the division rival Broncos, and it sounds like neither player is totally past it. After Allen put a superb move on Harris off the line, nearly making him fall, he kept telling teammate Mike Williams how it happened (probably exaggerating a bit) while Harris was openly talking about how he doesn’t care because it’s only practice and he claims to have won 12 out of 16 of the real matchups. Hopefully neither of them watch Hard Knocks. This could be nothing now that they are teammates, but it’s something to watch moving forward and if things happen to go south with the team.

 

Funniest moment: Johnston’s use of “fudge”

Johnston has certainly been a highlight of Hard Knocks through three episodes, and last week he had many exclamations of “FUDGE” instead of dropping a bunch of f-bombs. During the Rams’ scrimmage, viewers were hilariously given a soft “fudge” after Johnston came in late on a tackle, and then we heard it more after that too. Hopefully Johnston can make the roster and eventually start using his trademark on NFL Sundays.

 

Underrated moment: SoFi Stadium tour

SoFi Stadium looks breathtaking enough on television, and you can imagine it looks even more stunning in person. It was cool insight to hear that the turf feels like it will play fast; the new video board is a marvel; and the ability to look outside the glass casing and see palm trees is amazing. The Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium also has a case, but either way the best stadium in the NFL may be making its debut this season.

 

Best quote: Sean McVay telling the story of a fight breaking out during his first practice as the Rams’ head coach

“Get out of there, Sean!”

 

MVP: Aaron Donald

During the Rams’ first live scrimmage of the year (with the quarterbacks not actually taking hits), it was both funny and crazy to hear “sack, sack, sack, sack” while Aaron Donald highlights (including a forced fumble) were shown from the game. Donald is widely considered the best defensive player in the league, and the scrimmage showed how unstoppable he can be—hopefully it’s not also a bad sign for a Rams offensive line that had its struggles in 2019. Rams quarterback Jared Goff gave great insight on how opposing quarterbacks might feel going up against Donald every week, mentioning how it’s the first time he went up against him like this and the All-Pro defensive lineman gets home fast.