Tag: HBO

Panthers could be forced to participate in upcoming season of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’

The Panthers are one of four NFL teams that can be forced into filming for this summer’s edition of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

The Carolina Panthers might have to get ready for their close-up.

As pointed out by @NerdingonNFL over at Twitter/X on Tuesday, the Panthers are one of four teams that can be forced into participating in the upcoming season of HBO’s Hard Knocks. The Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans are the other three possible subjects.

From its debut all the way back in 2001, Hard Knocks goes behind the scenes to document the tireless offseason preparation of NFL teams. Cameras follow executives, coaches and players during the summer—usually for a portion of training camp and through the preseason—in capturing the drama and excitement that comes with the gig.

So, what makes the Panthers eligible?

Well, they meet each of the league’s three thresholds . . .

  1. A team can be forced to accommodate filming if they have not been the subject of the program in the last 10 years. The Panthers have never been the subject of the program.
  2. A team can be forced to film if they do not have a first-year head coach. Barring an unforeseen development, Dave Canales will be entering his second year as head coach.
  3. A team can be forced to film if they did not reach the playoffs in either of the two preceding seasons. The Panthers have not reached the playoffs since 2017.

An announcement for this summer’s subject is likely to come this spring.

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Russell Wilson forever the cheerleader, even after 4th straight loss

Russell Wilson tries to hype of Cameron Heyward after loss to the Bengals.

Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers struggles over the course of the last month, there seems to be nothing to diminish the positivity of quarterback Russell Wilson. On the latest episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, Wilson can be seen meeting Cameron Heyward at midfield after the Steelers loss to the Cincinnati Bengals to try and hype him up for the playoffs.

“Hey, let’s go win the last four,” Wilson said. “All right? Look at me. Let’s go. We can do it. You know what I’m saying? Don’t doubt now. You feel me? Let’s go win the next four.”

Given that the Steelers defense was able to hold the Bengals to just 19 points while the Steelers offense could only must 17, I doubt Heyward was in the mood for any cheerleading from Wilson.

The Steelers offense fell into a funk a month ago and there appears to be no end in sight. The defense is doing its best to keep teams honest but against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, Wilson and the offense have to do a better job if they want to win one, much less four.

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WATCH: Steelers NT Keeanu Benton snatches miraculous INT in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers NT Keeanu Benton amazes with a highlight-reel interception in Week 14, turning the tide against the Cleveland Browns.

Nose tackle Keeanu Benton’s talent has truly come to form in year two of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. From showcasing his incredible leadership abilities on HBO’s brand-new Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North to blowing up run plays on gameday, Benton has been nothing short of remarkable in 2024.

Trailing the Cleveland Browns 7-3 at the start of the second quarter, the Steelers needed a splash play—and big Keeanu made it happen. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston tried to let a screen play develop for running back Nick Chubb, but Benton channeled his inner defensive back, leaping several feet into the air to intercept the pass.

Benton’s extraordinary effort on the interception is a play that Pittsburgh Steelers fans could watch on repeat for years to come. The young nose tackle truly shifted the momentum in the Black and Gold’s favor, and the team’s victory might not have been possible without his elite level of play in Week 14.

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Mike Tomlin wins over critics in debut of Hard Knocks

Mike Tomlin was the star of the first episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks.

The latest season of Hard Knocks debuted on Tuesday night on HBO and while all four AFC North teams were represented, one man stole the show. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin showed exactly why so many Steelers fans love him and we are willing to bet he won over plenty of critics as well.

Watching Tomlin interact with wide receiver George Pickens and edge rusher Nick Herbig gave everyone a great look behind the curtain as to why so many players want to come to Pittsburgh and will run through a wall for him.

Tomlin even opened up the team meeting on Thanksgiving by opening his home to any players who didn’t have anywhere to be on the holiday.

2024 marks Tomlin’s 18th season as the Steelers head coach. It also marks his 18th straight season without a losing record. During his tenure with the Steelers Tomlin is 182-102-2, has made the playoffs 11 times and won a Super Bowl.

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How to watch HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ In-Season with the AFC North

HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE AFC NORTH, will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season

The AFC North is the most challenging division in the NFL.

The season started with four potential 2024 playoff teams and tons of storylines. As HBO’s Hard Knocks takes an inside, in-season look at this historical division, fans will now have an up-close look at the Ravens and Steelers chase for a division title.

HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE AFC NORTH, will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season and a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. The 18-time Emmy®-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage as it follows the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers, who have never been featured on “Hard Knocks” in the history of the series, as well as coach John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals, and coach Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields will share the “Hard Knocks” spotlight with Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and an array of other AFC North star players.

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It will debut tonight, Tuesday, December 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max. Subsequent Tuesdays will air through the end of the NFL regular season and continue into the NFL playoffs in January 2025. HBO released the first trailer a few weeks back, and it looks intense.

Baltimore was the first team featured on the original “Hard Knocks” training camp series 2001. Since then, the Bengals have appeared twice, in 2009 and 2013, and the Browns in 2018, while the Pittsburgh Steelers will be making their debut appearance. Storylines to watch will include Patrick Queen’s arrival in Pittsburgh and the renewed Steelers-Ravens rivalry.

Contract disputes in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson’s return and subsequent injury, Russell Wilson’s debut, Justin Field’s arrival, and Joe Burrow’s return are just the tip of the iceberg of storylines. Intriguing subplots, including Patrick Queen in Pittsburgh, are things to watch. 

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RB Najee Harris hilariously references QB Russell Wilson’s alter ego

Najee Harris hilariously revived Russell Wilson’s ‘Mr. Unlimited’ alter ego after the QB’s dominant Week 13 performance.

Quarterback Russell Wilson was serving up ‘Dangerwiches’ on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, cooking their secondary with an impressive stat line of 414 passing yards and three touchdowns. However, Wilson wasn’t the only Steeler delivering an elite performance; running back Najee Harris accumulated an outstanding 129 total yards in Week 13.

In a moment that can only be described as ‘real recognizing real,’ Harris took it upon himself to revive Wilson’s nickname, ‘Mr. Unlimited,’ hilariously complimenting his quarterback with a nod to Wilson’s alter ego.

Wilson’s talent was truly unlimited on Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Harris’ recognition of the spectacular performance will hopefully bring back ‘Mr. Unlimited’ to stay for good. Wilson and Harris’ hilarious backstage interaction could set the tone for more entertainment behind the scenes that fans can witness on HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North, debuting on December 3rd at 9:00 PM EST.

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Watch: HBO releases Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North trailer

HBO released the trailer for Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North. The show premieres Tuesday, December 3 on Max.

HBO released the trailer for their new series, Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North. The classic HBO drama will cover the division as the teams push for the playoffs. The show premieres Tuesday, December 3 on Max.

Despite not being in the playoff race the Browns will be seen plenty in the series. The Browns have five games against the AFC North during the show. The Browns can play a spoiler to their division rivals’ hopes and dreams. 

The Steelers and Ravens are battling for the AFC North title. Meanwhile, the Bengals are a loss away from joining the Browns’ quest of soul searching.  

Filming started earlier this week and the first episode should cover the upcoming Thursday night game between the Browns and the Steelers. 

Hard Knocks does a fantastic job of capturing the drama within an organization. The Browns could find themselves dissected if they continue their losing streak. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry are facing their biggest obstacles this season. Between the media and the ownership, the Browns smell of their former dysfunction. With a temperamental owner, the duo could find themselves locked out of Berea. There is never a dull moment with the Browns, and HBO will be there to capture all of it.

 

WATCH: First look at HBO’s Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North

HBO released the initial trailer for Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North featuring the Ravens, Bengals, Browns and Steelers

The AFC North is the most challenging division in the NFL. The season started with four potential 2024 playoff teams and tons of storylines. As HBO’s Hard Knocks takes an inside, in-season look at this historical division, fans will now have an up-close look.

For the first time since its debut, the award-winning docuseries goes behind the scenes of an entire NFL division for the first time. Warner Brothers Discovery made the announcement back in June.

HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE AFC NORTH will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season, as well as a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. The 18-time Emmy®-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage as it follows the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers, who have never been featured on “Hard Knocks” in the history of the series, as well as coach John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals, and coach Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields will share the “Hard Knocks” spotlight with Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and an array of other AFC North star players.

It will debut Tuesday, December 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max. Subsequent Tuesdays will air through the end of the NFL regular season and continue into the NFL playoffs in January 2025. HBO released the first trailer on Tuesday, and it looks as intense as the action presents.

Baltimore was the first team featured on the original “Hard Knocks” training camp series 2001. Since then, the Bengals have appeared twice, in 2009 and 2013, and the Browns in 2018, while the Pittsburgh Steelers will be making their debut appearance. Storylines to watch will include Patrick Queen’s arrival in Pittsburgh and the renewed Steelers-Ravens rivalry.

Contract disputes in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson’s return and subsequent injury, Russell Wilson’s debut, Justin Field’s arrival, and Joe Burrow’s return are just the tip of the iceberg of storylines and interesting subplots.

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Giants GM’s son wanted his dad to trade up for QB Jayden Daniels

Should the Giants GM have listened to his son?

The New York Giants selected former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But if it had been up to Giants general manager Joe Schoen’s son, the team could have traded up and tried to land another LSU Tiger — quarterback Jayden Daniels.

On HBO’s “Hard Knocks” Schoen is seen polling his kids about who the Giants should draft in the first round. Schoen’s son had clearly done his homework and decides to throw some serious shade at current Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.

“Jayden Daniels. You only get this job once, you need to try to win”.

It’s pretty clear based on the series that the Giants don’t have an overwhelming level of confidence in Jones. However, instead of taking his son’s advice about trading up, Schoen got Jones a legitimate playmaker in Nabers at wide receiver. We will know fairly quickly if the Giants made the right decision or if they should have listened to the GM’s son.

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Steelers DT Cameron Heyward on hearing Pittsburgh was to be on ‘Hard Knocks’: ‘I hated it’

Multiple members of the Steelers are not excited about being on “Hard Knocks” this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had been able to avoid having to deal with HBO’s “Hard Knocks” since its inception all the way back in 2001. It was never something that felt like it meshed with the Steelers team philosophy and honestly would be far too intrusive.

But the time has run out for the Steelers. This season they, along with the rest of the AFC North will be on a special version of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” to kick off late in the season and follow them along with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

This is something Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward is not at all excited about happening.

Heyward talked about it on his “Not Just Football” podcast and made it clear how he felt when it was announced. “I hated it, I don’t wanna be on this,” said Heyward.

Many NFL players love being the center of attention and so they relish the opportunity to be on camera as much as possible. Thankfully many of the core members of the Steelers like Heyward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick aren’t going to be among them.

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