The 1-31 Hard Knocks Review: Episode 2
As you all know, the Browns suck. As most of you know too, they’ve sucked A LOT since passing on Carson Wentz in the draft and allowing the Eagles to trade up and get him. In honor of that move and HBO giving us a look behind the curtain at the NFL’s most inept and atrocious franchise, we present to your our new mini-blog series: The 1-31 Hard Knocks Review
By: Aaron Black
Most of you are probably seeing this link thinking, “Where was the episode one review?!” Well guess what I didn’t think of reviewing Hard Knocks until watching episode 2, so here goes.
The Browns flat stink. HBO does a hell of a job trying to show the peaks and valleys of a football team going through training camp and finding themselves along the way, but I do not see Cleveland finding themselves any time soon (I know, scalding hot take right?). Last year I really thought Tampa Bay was going to compete, but I don’t get that same sense from watching the Browns. Maybe its the combined one win in 2 seasons that is making me feel that way….
Some observations from episode 2:
1. Tyrod Taylor is about as steady as a QB the Browns can have right now. Barring anything crazy he will start this season as the Browns QB, and Baker Mayfield will learn the ropes from him. It is easy to see Tyrod is a pro’s pro and will be a great mentor for Baker.
2. I don’t know how to feel about Hue Jackson. He seems like a coach who relates well to his players, but then there are times when he seems completely lost. There is without doubt a culture issue in Cleveland and my gut tells me Hue Jackson isn’t going to help get rid of it. Antonio Callaway, a guy who was drafted with known behavior problems, gets busted with pot and Hue Jackson’s punishment is making him play an entire pre season game…
3. I could listen to John Dorsey talk all day. The man has golden pipes.
4. I am trying to decide if Todd Haley is an asshole or if he is dad joke funny. I’m leaning more towards funny because anyone who can put the word “fuck” in any sentence is ok in my book.
5. There’s that guy every year who gets highlighted as the feel good story to make the team. This year my leader in the clubhouse is easily Devin Cajuste. *Will update as the season goes on.*
6. David Njoku is going to be really good. The guy is built like a Greek God and just has that look of a guy who is going to be ball.
7. Hard Knocks does their best to make the average idiot buy into how good the team is going to be. My buy in meter right now is at like a 1.9. I will update this number weekly.
If there is anything I missed, feel free to comment.