‘Hard Knocks: Los Angeles’ Episode 1 Superlatives

Best moment: Insights into COVID procedure

The big takeaway from the first episode of Hard Knocks: Los Angeles is a storyline that’s dominated 2020 and will continue to dominate the NFL season. I didn’t realize how serious and thorough the processes and procedures to contain COVID-19 are until last night’s episode. It’s a nuisance to go through for the players and staff, but what the teams and the league have in place will help avoid any large outbreaks of the virus. The insight into Zoom meetings and the building of the Rams’ indoor/outdoor facilities was also interesting.

 

Worst moment: Anthem discussion

It’s definitely a good thing that social justice issues and the national anthem were discussed, both by Lynn with the entire team on Zoom and with a small group in a later call—we need more discussion and debate in today’s society. However, the anthem discussion, from what we saw, was disappointing in that Cole Mazza was told that kneeling is to protest police brutality and that part of the discussion wasn’t elaborated upon from what we saw. The question is why is kneeling for the anthem the vehicle players continue to choose when they know it offends most Americans? It’s great that players are using their platforms, but it’s fair to say there is a better way to protest than kneeling for the national anthem, which—no matter what they say—is seen as disrespectful to many people. The good news is that players were respectful toward one another and had each others’ backs.

 

Funniest moment: Andrew Vollert’s reaction

Former Chargers tight end Andrew Vollert getting cut was not funny, but his reaction was both shocking and somewhat hilarious. Vollert walked into head coach Anthony Lynn’s office and angrily said, “You gotta be f****** kidding me.” Give credit to Lynn for handling the situation extremely well, as Vollert’s reaction and continued tone could have easily been seen as disrespectful but Lynn understood the player’s frustration after working hard for a roster spot. Lynn then went over to general manager Tom Telesco’s offense, and Telesco said Vollert basically told him the same thing. Both decision-makers said they actually liked the fire Vollert showed, so that might help him get another shot with the team down the line. Lynn, as well as he handled it, added a funny remark on what was going on inside his mind before leaving Telesco’s office: “Hold up man… you ain’t Antonio Gates now.” The character that is Rams defensive back Dont’e Deayon, who explained that he was in the “projects” of the locker room and was trying to get into the suburbs, deserves mention among the funniest moments.

 

Underrated moment: Rams walkthrough

Overall, the Rams walkthrough didn’t appear to be anything too special on the surface. But you can tell that quarterback Jared Goff has full control of things entering his fourth year in Sean McVay’s offense, and the coach-quarterback connection looks to be about as strong as you can imagine. The ability for Goff and McVay to be in sync will help them get the offense back to levels it was before 2019.

 

Best quote: Sean McVay

“I f****** love football and I love you guys.”

 

MVP: Anthony Lynn

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn was featured heavily throughout the first episode of Hard Knocks, which kicked off with him addressing his team in a Zoom meeting. We then got some background on Lynn at his home; he opened up about having COVID-19; and he handled the Vollert situation extraordinarily well. He even slyly swiped a pair of free Oakley sunglasses from star safety Derwin James. Also, Lynn appears to have the full attention and respect of his roster.