Atlanta Falcons in lead to feature on HBO reality show "Hard Knocks" - NFL News
With the start of training camp right around the corner for most teams it is also time for cable television channel Home Box Office (HBO) to select a National Football League (NFL) team to feature on its “Hard Knocks” reality TV show that showcases the teams
preparations for the new season during camp and the preseason.
Last year the program was disappointingly off the air due to the NFL lockout but it is set to return this year and rumours continue to circle over the possible destination HBO’s cameras will go to record the show.
According to sources the National Football Conference (NFC) South franchise and perennial playoff chokers Atlanta Falcons are in the lead to do the show for this season.
The Falcons ended the 2011-12 season, 10-6 and repeatedly failed to perform against bigger opponents. They reached the playoff wildcard round for the third time in four years and faced New York Giants.
However, once again like previous times the Falcons choked in the high stakes encounter with quarterback, Matt Ryan held scoreless.
The Falcons were knocked out after a 24-2 loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champions.
The failure to move further in the playoffs will make a great storyline for the reality show and with star players such as Matt Ryan and Julio Jones featuring the show will give a great insight into the inner workings of head coach Mike Smith.
The Falcons though are not the only team being considered and the New York Jets could yet make a comeback on the show for the third time.
New York were featured in 2010-11 season and the show grossed its highest ratings yet. This year the stories surrounding the Jets will be even bigger with the arrival of quarterback Tim Tebow in the locker room plus fans would get to see how wide receiver,
Santonio Holmes and quarterback, Mark Sanchez get along after last season’s epic fallout between the two.
However, the Jets might not wish to do the show as coach, Rex Ryan looks to reduce distractions ahead of a new season.
Jets general manager, Mike Tannenbaum said about featuring the franchise on Hard Knocks.
"When I made that comment, I never had an expectation that we'd be asked to do it again. Obviously, if we're asked, we'll sit down and talk about it."
Whichever, team is selected though it will make for some great entertainment ahead of the new 2012-13 season.
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