The first episode of the highly anticipated Jets season on HBO’s Hard Knocks had a different feel to it—with less of a focus on football and more of a focus on entertainment. We’ll see if that was just the path for an introductory episode, but the Jets have made it clear that they did not want to be on the show. Also, it looked like stars (particularly Aaron Rodgers) took on the blunt of the camera and attention, likely making it easier on their teammates.
Best moment: The Aaron Rodgers show
It was interesting to get an inside look at Aaron Rodgers’ arrival with the Jets after winning four MVPs and a Super Bowl in 18 seasons with the Packers. Clearly, Rodgers has brought a different energy to New York, and he’s adapted well to his new team. Coaches, teammates, and fans were basically mesmerized early on, and Rodgers is getting some rockstar treatment. But it became clear throughout the episode that he’s also “one of the guys.” Overall, it was great to watch Hard Knocks present Rodgers’ arrival and early impact in compelling fashion.
Worst moment: The lights go out during the Hall of Fame Game
There weren’t really any bad moments in an overwhelmingly positive episode for the Jets, but it arguably wasn’t a good look when the lights went out at the Hall of Fame Game and some just wanted the game to end, as some players want every opportunity they can to make a roster. However, it was funny when Robert Saleh said he was told by the officials that it would take several minutes for the lights to be able to come back on, “which means 15” minutes.
Funniest moment: The pylon game
The quarterbacks and a few coaches playing the pylon game, which is basically a football version of a backyard game like cornhole. Hitting the pylon in the air is two points, and hitting the pylon on the bounce is one point. The twist is that the guys mess with each other by saying crazy stuff just before their opponent throws the ball. Included in the distractions were some of the usual suspects, but it was hilarious when out of nowhere Aaron Rodgers said “Sean Payton” while Nathaniel Hackett was throwing. Of course, Payton had some recent regrettable comments about Hackett.
Underrated moment: Garrett Wilson versus Sauce Gardner
We didn’t get a ton of insight into the pure football side of things for Episode 1, but we were able to get a bit of a look at how Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner compete in practice. The respective Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the year from last season are basically the definition of iron sharpens iron, and it’s cool to see the utmost respect they have for each other while competing and getting better.
Best quote: Garrett Wilson on Aaron Rodgers
“Throws dots!”
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Somewhat of a controversial figure—as Jets players themselves said, adding that the media is totally wrong about their quarterback—Rodgers likely won over some people in the first episode of Hard Knocks. You could argue that we are in the honeymoon phase between Rodgers and the Jets, but the veteran quarterback obviously has his team’s back—from helping Zach Wilson get back on track to the way he spoke about his offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. And overall, he seems willing to take the attention from the HBO and NFL Films cameras, taking less pressure off his teammates trying to get better and make a roster.