Why The Falcons Should Appear On HBO'S Hard Knocks

by Dave Choate on May 23, 2011 8:01 AM EDT in Editorial

When I first heard that Thomas Dimitroff was unsubtly hinting that the Atlanta Falcons could be convinced to appear on HBO's Hard Knocks, I really wasn't sure what to think.

The Falcons have for three seasons done their thing in a mostly humble, quiet sort of way, keeping out of the public eye by some absurd sleight of hand despite two playoff berths and more than 30 wins over that span. This off-season, however, they've started to make noise by trading for Julio Jones, getting Thomas Dimitroff out in front on a lot of interviews and just generally indicating they want to take the world by storm.

James Rael covered his own mixed feelings about Dimitroff's mention of Hard Knocks, and heck, I get that. We worry about losing the message, of turning the general public against the team because they hate HBO or whatever other thing the general public hates at this moment in time.

Know what, though? I think it's time for the Falcons to arrive on the national scene. Their winning ways are a good start, but a show like Hard Knocks could be the next step in the evolution. HBO is having a hard time finding a team and would be hard-pressed to find one that has as good a chance of contending, paired with a gruff but lovable coach, some colorful characters and an owner who looks like a Pink Panther villain. That's good television, and it would help to put Atlanta on the map for fans who might otherwise miss out.

Of course, HBO has to make the offer first, but I could certainly see it happening.

What's not to like? Correlation does not imply causation, but I will say that none of the teams appearing on Hard Knocks have ever won a Super Bowl that season. If guys on the team say something stupid—and though I'd argue we've got a bright group on the Falcons, it's more than a little possible—that might dominate the news cycle in a way that causes headaches for the team.

But really, those are the two downsides. This is a Falcons squad on the cusp of being great, so why not get the exposure? It's time for one of the better teams in the NFL to stop flying under the radar.

Maybe you disagree, though. What do you think?

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I say go for it!

Professionals should be able to keep their focus regardless of the circumstances. Plus I want the world to see our Atlanta Falcons. It’d be great for the team and even better for the City I think.

by BigFalcon84 on May 23, 2011 8:14 AM EDT reply actions

Do we have the characters for Hard Knocks?

Or, of course, HBO could bring those personality traits out.

Better to have died a small boy than to drop this football - John HeismanFromTheRumbleSeat

by Winfield Featherston on May 23, 2011 9:16 AM EDT reply actions

I think Roddy White and Spoon will be the character guys.

TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol

by Krobify on May 23, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it would go over really well

The Falcons are full of likable personalities, from the front office to the field. It would be a hit for HBO.

Of course I’d watch every second. I’d love to see Abe, Ice and Roddy talking on the field. It would be really cool to see Tommy D. and Smitty talking shop. I’m definitely on board.

by Tron5000 on May 23, 2011 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

sure, i say do it, show everyone we got some personality and some swagger

ESPN can give the Philthies all the verbal BJs they want, Braves will still clinch the east!

by suicide bunting is a sin on May 23, 2011 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Who do you think would be the biggest "stars"?

If TD wants to continue his “I am NOT Bill Belichick” campaign, I wouldn’t hate it. How many complaints a year do you see Dave about Atlanta not getting any respect or media attention? In an offseason that’s so screwed up anyway, I wouldn’t worry about a documentary ‘distracting’ from routine.

Understanding HBO knows what they’re doing and loves to show A) fringe guys trying to make the team, B) entertaining players with big personalities and C) idiots with a lot of kids, what Falcons do you think will be focal points?

I see Ovie making a name for himself, Roddy’s always good for some inane comment, and TG decked out in All Pro Science gear head to toe for the entire thing. And maybe juxtaposing Jenkins with Julio?

by kman_722 on May 23, 2011 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Hate it

Hate the Hard Knocks phenomenon — as a fan it’s kinda cool to peek behind the scenes, but I can’t see how having that much exposure and constant filming of everything, leads to anything but a squandered preseason. It’s voyeurism for its own sake and I believe it harms whatever team is dumb enough to agree to it.

I’d rather these guys work out at Flowery Branch, let the fans come by for few hours on a Saturday or whatever, and then dominate the league in the regular season. No need to see the hot dogs being made, essentially……

How many young-receiver-trying-to-make-the-team-but-he-runs-into-veteran-enforcer-and/or-his-own-limitations stories are there, anyway?

by skymuse on May 23, 2011 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

forgot to add

also the aging-veteran-who-might-not-make-the-cut stories are all sorta one and the same, too.

It’s a PR minefield — all the opportunities to say/do dumb things, but little to offset, and I’m not convinced that Hard Knocks creates new fans of the teams. People aren’t going to become Falcons fans because Roddy said something funny on TeeVee. And the post-Vick angle alone makes me want the Falcons to run away from this.

by skymuse on May 23, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

But some fans can't go see the team on a Saturday at training camp

I’m a student in the UK. I won’t have the means to come see a game/ training camp for at least 10 years. By which time most of this team will be retired. It’s a unique opportunity for fans everywhere to connect with the team. Also if a team is good enough for the playoffs they will make it regardless of being on Hard Knocks. Look at the non playoff teams that have been on the show:

2002 Cowboys: 5-11. Not being on Hard Knocks would not have won them 5 more games.
2007 Chiefs: 4-12. Not being on Hard Knocks would not have added 6 games to their total.
2008 Cowboys- 9-7. Needed to win their season finale to get in. I doubt they got blown out 44-6 by the Eagles in the season finale because of the show.

The show won’t stop the team playing as well as they can. If they are good enough they will be good enough regardless of a 4 week pre season show.

by Mosugo on May 23, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

I completely agree with this.

by Va Falcon 88 on May 23, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

good point Mos..

rec’d

@Chi, @Ind,@Det SIMPLY AWESOME !! . All are within 3.5 hours of me.I'll probably be supporting the birds from the sidelines of all 3 of those this year. I am getting so excited about the first game of the season, everybody I work with are Bears and Colts fans. It's gonna be sooo sweeet this year, taking all their money!! bwaaha haha haha

by ATLsince1972 on May 24, 2011 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Not in favor

I say leave all of the drama and the distractions for the Saints or any other team in the league. I am not in favor of this, especially with the lockout.

Let the team get into camp and get to work without all the camers and microphones.

by Reid Adair on May 23, 2011 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

There are pros and cons to both sides

Each pro almost always comes with a con. Pro: No need to film a completely new intro, just use clips from the Play60 commercials with their heads bobbing on the bus. Who hates that commercial? Con: Everyone else besides Falcon’s fans hate that commercial. Could give them more reason to become annoyed with the Falcon’s, not love them. Pro: Top players like Roddy White and Matt Ryan get the publicity they deserve. Con: Does Roddy White mixed with a tv show seem like a good idea? Ummm… tbd. Pro: Can you imagine what TD’s hair will look like with assistance from professional filmers? Con: Can anything be done to spice up Arthur Blank’s hair? More gel? Coloring? Hmm…Pro: We get an up close look at guys who we, even as Falcon’s fans, might not know very well. Con: So do other teams. With our depth, some solid players will be cut. I wouldn’t want the show contributing to the improvement of other teams.
Personally, I’m cool with it. I don’t think the Falcon’s have the loud personalities the show is looking for. But if HBO extends the offer and the Falcon’s accept it, I will watch the show and probably get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on May 23, 2011 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

I kinda like flying under the radar

by saipol on May 23, 2011 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

The Falcons won't be on Hard Knocks

So commands Mike Smith:

Smith told Scott Hanson of NFL Network that the team had internal discussions about the possibility, but ultimately came to the decision they won’t participate in the show this year.

by Leon07 on May 23, 2011 6:09 PM EDT reply actions

Aw dag

by Dave Choate on May 23, 2011 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm so concerned about just getting free agency and the season started that it's hard to get too opinionated on this one

by cheshire falcon on May 23, 2011 6:09 PM EDT reply actions

Not sure if your aware of this but Atlanta has been on the map for like 300 yrs or so.

This isnt towards you Dave but I’m tired of people crapping on ATL sports fans. Pisses me off. I am one through and through I’ve spent too damn much money on sports around here for years and we as fans need some damn respect. I’m faithful and I know a lot of folks who are. Hard knocks might help the national image, it sure can’t hurt it. We might win over a few new fans.

I’m very frustrated with people talking about us like we are illegitimate fans. I hear it on the radio, tv and net. Heck even John Kinkade makes smart a$$ remarks daily about us, makes me wanna knock his teeth out. I’m pissed about the idea that Thrashers might be leaving, it hurts when the braves are sucking and I damn near cried when the Falcons lost to GB, I’m upset the hawks aren’t still in the tourney. I have a message for all you ATL fan hating pricks: F U, lick it, suckit, sit on it and spin, all you haters are gonna be tasting Falcon a$$ for years to come!

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on May 23, 2011 6:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs

Passionate fans.

I feel you, Ball Hawk. I ride the highs and lows as much as any Atlanta fan, and I haven’t lived there in 7 years!

I damn near cried when GB put a whooping on us, too. That was one of the worst days I’ve ever personally had – and I’ve had some baaaaaad days before. haha

I’m pissed about the Hawks/Thrashers ownership being so bad. Really, we are so lucky to have Arthur Blank.

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by Caleb Rutherford on May 23, 2011 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

Atlantans should be proud of our teams. We have three greats, ( i dont know much about hockey, sorry!) there are alot of competitions between all these teams. braves, hawks, and falcs are contenders in all of their leagues right now. all three were in the playoffs in their previous seasons and knock on wood they will all be returning to their posts seasons. I think thats great for a city

by HoopsHighlights&Hope on May 23, 2011 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

amen brother

The thing that drives me insane is that the people who rip on Atlanta fans also live in cities where they get at least 1 championship every 5 years.

Unless you live in Cleveland or Seattle (maybe San Diego), your opinion on this topic is meaningless. It’s easy to talk about what a great fan you are when you’re being rewarded on a regular basis by your team… it’s a little harder when for every championship your city has (a grand total of 1), you’ve had to endure 150+ combined seasons of nightmare after nightmare.

So yeah, come talk to me when you live in a city that understands heartbreak like the Atlanta fan does. There are only a couple of other places that do.

by cheshire falcon on May 23, 2011 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions

exactly.

that is why fans from other teams dont understand our plight at all!! We don’t get titles every decade from one sport or more. We have had so much build up and dissappointment that it’s just unreal at times. This last season topped it off for me, #1 seed and get blasted out of the hunt in the first damn game!? My only nightmare scenario left is to get to the SB AGAIN and get crushed, in 98 we beat ourselves mostly. The atlanta sports teams are by far the hardest to root for, because they have not only sucked bad, they even tease the hell out of ya with a great season here or there or string togther 4 or 5 good seasons. It is so freeaking unfair, Just ONE SB title for the hollywood of the south – just one, please?

by ATLsince1972 on May 24, 2011 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions

As a fan

I would love it, more info on my beloved Falcons. However, if you look at it from a football perspective only, I do not see one upside, and see the potential for several downsides.

by Whopper Dawg on May 23, 2011 8:33 PM EDT reply actions