The in-season edition of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks,’ starring the Dolphins, debuted Tuesday night.
Although the show lacked one moment that demanded headlines, it offered insight for any fan, but particularly for Dolphins fans. And it confirmed what most of us probably were thinking about coach Mike McDaniel’s approach, and bond, with his players.
Players receiving their share of face time shouldn’t surprise anybody: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, cornerback Jalen Ramsey … and especially receiver Tyreek Hill. Linebackers coach Anthony Campanile delivered an impassioned pep talk that may have inspired viewers to lace up their shoes and go run a few miles.
New episodes will premiere each Tuesday at 9 p.m. and be available to stream on Max.
Here are highlights from Episode 1:
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Trying to put the best face on cameras intruding
The series opened with McDaniel trying to get the players to embrace the idea that cameras will be in their faces the rest of the season, including playoffs.
‘I’m actually convinced I’m fired up about it,’ McDaniel tells players, although when the ‘Hard Knocks’ announcement was first made, he admitted there are plenty of ‘distractions’ under normal conditions.
‘I wouldn’t call it a team decision,’ McDaniel said at the time. “But at the same time, you guys know me well enough to know that I steer clear of worrying about things that we can’t control.’
At the team meeting, McDaniel continued his pitch:
‘I refuse to do this job and not give you guys my true, authentic self. I will not change. I will not. … I’m not (bleeping) changing. Nor should you.
‘I’m excited the world is going to find out where we are each and every day.’
Maybe so, but it was impossible not to notice the body english on many unconvinced players, some of whom already have spoken out against the intrusion.
There’s what? Where? Who knew?
The auditorium where the Dolphins meet has a basketball hoop by the door.
Hill seems to enjoy having it there.
Tyreek Hill already takes center stage
Predictably, Hill, a k a ‘Cheetah,’ already is a star of the show, narrated by Liev Schreiber.
Hill allowed cameras into his home, including as he chatted with his bride, Keeta, as well as when he talked wedding rings with receiver Braxton Berrios at practice.
Tua Tagovailoa’s braids get TV time
QB coach Darrell Bevell approves of Tua Tagovailoa’s cornrows, which debuted last week.
‘It looks good, man,’ Bevell said. ‘Nice. Nice.’
Then came insight into Tagovailoa’s partnership with McDaniel.
‘If I’m doing my job right for you, there’s always going to be one or two (things) that you’re mad at,’ McDaniel told Tagovailoa. The two agree, ‘I think we’re getting better at it, though.’
Mike McDaniel’s approach with players is just what you think
During practice, McDaniel huddled with edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Chubb.
‘I want you to be the very best that you can possibly be,’ McDaniel said. ‘So then, your career is as good as it can be, you can be rich — so then, I can be rich.’
Talking shop even during OL dinner on Thursdays
Cameras followed the offensive linemen to their Thursday night dinner, this time in Fort Lauderdale.
Even there, tackle Terron Armstead warned teammates they had to be on top of their game against Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, a candidate for league MVP.
LB coach Anthony Campanile draws laughs … then stuff gets VERY serious
LB coach Anthony Campanelli has a ‘cake leaderboard’ that he projects at meetings. Then, the best players from the previous game are awarded actual cakes. On this occasion, Phillips, Chubb and Zach Sieler got cakes. Chubb gave his to Xavien Howard.
‘Apparently, a lot of guys like cake,’ McDaniel said.
More seriously, Campanile appealed to players to turn up the intensity, using the example of a man running down the street holding all of the players’ worldly possessions, including their family, on the premise, he said, that you’re at the best when you’re doing things for the people you love.
‘That would make me out of my (bleeping) mind,’ Campanile told players. ‘That ain’t gonna (bleeping) happen.’
(As you may have noticed, it’s a good thing the show airs on HBO. Otherwise, the audio track would bleep out, oh, every other word.)
Ref won’t give Hill’s peace (sign) a chance
Before kickoff, referee Bill Vinovich told Hill to make sure he was set on shifts and ‘have a great game,’ but implored him not to flash any peace signs. Hill has been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for his peace sign.
‘But I’m trying to spread world peace,’ Hill replied.
Vinovich also was shown telling Tagovailoa, ‘Stay healthy, man, we need you.’
McDaniel tries to get to mad Maxx
During the Dolphins’ 20-13 win over the Raiders last Sunday, McDaniel was determined to throw Crosby off his game, saying he’s going to stare him down.
Crosby, held to one sack in this game, didn’t appear to notice.
‘He’s definitely avoiding eye contact with me,’ said McDaniel, who was shown postgame telling Crosby what an outstanding player he is.
Hill’s hand really was aching (so was fan’s, apparently)
Hill may have injured his hand more than he let on. He was shown telling a teammate on the sideline, ‘I can’t even move my hand.’ Later, ‘I got my hand hit again. I (bleeped) my hand up again.’
Hill returned and finished the game with 10 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, cameras stayed trained on his bride and mom, Anesha, including when the fan sitting behind them fumbled his nachos onto their chairs, and them.
‘I’m gonna go take a shower,’ Anesha said.
Closing the show …
McDaniel gave game balls to Hill and Ramsey, who made two interceptions that looked even better in NFL Films’ slo-mo.
Follow Dolphins reporter Hal Habib on social media @gunnerhal.
