While players and coaches don’t seem to want to give a ton of access via interviews and insight into meetings, the second episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks with the Jets felt more like a normal installment in the training camp series—headlined by joint practices with the Panthers.
Best moment: Joint practice with the Panthers
In their first action against another team, things began to get real for the Jets. Traveling to the Carolinas for a joint practice (the second day was cancelled due to rain) with the Panthers allowed for a measuring stick for the Jets. The defense was dominant, particularly All-Pro defensive tackle Quiennen Williams. But the offensive line and the offense overall struggled, which led to the honeymoon phase looking like it’s over with a very frustrated Aaron Rodgers lashing out about the pass protection. In the next team meeting after practice, Robert Saleh made it clear that the team will go as far as the offensive line takes them—and that right now they are holding them back.
Worst moment: The rookie show
The performance by the rookies for their show was subpar and not very funny, but to be fair they didn’t have much of a chance with the audience immediately booing and throwing paper balls. Also, Bill Walsh, Tony Dungy, and Andy Reid are among the very successful NFL head coaches that are against rookie hazing. Part of the reason is that rookies have a tough enough time getting acclimated to the league, and having to worry about stuff like that takes their focus off their jobs as professionals. That’s not to say rookie shows—which can be very entertaining and fun—should be totally banned. But all around the Jets’ rookie show wasn’t ideal for a team with championship aspirations.
Funniest moment: Oz The Mentalist
The episode started with Oz Pearlman—a mentalist you might have seen visit some NFL teams last year, as shown on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown—shocking Jets players with his antics. Somehow, Oz can get just about everything correct, from the number running back Michael Carter was thinking to knowing which animal safeties coach Marquand Manuel picked. The insanity of it aside, the reactions and looks on the players’ and coaches’ faces were hilarious. Now we’ll have to wait and see whether Mecole Hardman Jr.’s 31-21 Super Bowl victory prediction over the 49ers comes to be.
.@OzTheMentalist pulled off this insane trick on @AaronRodgers12. 😂🪄
New #HardKnocks with the @nyjets tonight at 10pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/I6nqm0HNYx
— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2023
Underrated moment: Post-game of the preseason game
A couple of interactions that the cameras focused on following the Jets’ 27-0 preseason win over the Panthers stood out. First, Aaron Rodgers gave some kind words to No. 1 overall pick rookie Bryce Young. Rodgers is a fan and hopes he has a long career in Carolina like he did in Green Bay. Then it was cool to see veteran Panthers receiver Adam Thielen give some words of support and encouragement to former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, which probably meant a lot to the young quarterback. Wilson has really handled his situation extremely well and seems to be progressing nicely as a player currently in the backup role.
Best quote: Unknown (potentially Michael Carter)
“Wait, bro. Hold on. What if you would have picked a giraffe though?”
MVP: Quinnen Williams
Williams told Rodgers and Saleh that he had “ten sacks”—then eleven—against the Panthers in practice. Saleh and Jets owner Woody Johnson were talking about how Williams was worth his new $96 million contract due to the type of person he is in addition to his play on the field. The former first-round pick looks ready to go for Week 1 against the Bills on Monday Night Football.