Wed. P.M. Hot Clicks: Zoey Deutch; Houston Texans on Hard Knocks
Hello all, the crew from Next Impulse Sports presenting you with a wonderful Wednesday PM Hot Clicks. Feel free to follow us on Twitter for daily thoughts, links and brilliant recommendations.
The Houston Texans Land Hard Knocks
NFL Teams on Hard Knocks
Baltimore Ravens (2001)
Some of the issues covered: The team looking to repeat as Super Bowl winners. Rookies Todd Heap's and Dwayne Missouri's adjustment to professional football. The team's adjustment after a season-ending injury to Jamal Lewis. The veterans on the team in the final years of their careers (Shannon Sharpe, Rod Woodson, Qadry Ismail, and Tony Siragusa). The quarterback competition between Elvis Grbac and Randall Cunningham. Ozzie Newsome's and Brian Billick's management of the team.
Dallas Cowboys (2002)
Some of the issues covered: Quincy Carter's pressure to stay the consistent starting quarterback and the acquisition of Chad Hutchinson as a backup quarterback. Rookie Roy Williams' adjustment to professional football. Emmitt Smith beginning his final season in Dallas, and his pursuit to become the NFL's all-time rushing yards leader. Dave Campo heading into his third (and eventually, final) season as Dallas' head coach.
Kansas City Chiefs (2007)
Some of the issues covered: The battle for the starting quarterback job between veteran Damon Huard and second-year player Brodie Croyle following the trade of Trent Green. Star running back Larry Johnson's contract holdout. Priest Holmes' attempted return to football after missing all of 2006 after a career-threatening neck injury. The contract holdout and later development of rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs' first-round draft pick of 2007. Boomer Grigsby's switch from linebacker to fullback. The development of rookie defensive linemen Tank Tyler and Turk McBride. The competition between two undrafted cornerbacks—Tyron Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson. Arena Football League star Bobby Sippio's attempt to catch on with an outdoor team.
Dallas Cowboys (2008)
Some of the issues covered: Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones' reinstatement into the NFL. Keon Lattimore, a younger brother of Ray Lewis, competing for a job. Todd Lowber, a very athletic wide receiver new to the game of football, trying to make the team. Undersized wide receiver Danny Amendola competing for a job. Rookies Felix Jones and Martellus Bennett adjusting to NFL camp for the first time.
Cincinnati Bengals (2009)
Some of the issues covered: The battle for the starting fullback position between Jeremi Johnson, Chris Pressley, Fui Vakapuna, and J.D. Runnels. The injuries of tight ends Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht, and the adjustment of rookie tight end Chase Coffman to the NFL. The contract holdout of offensive tackle Andre Smith, the Bengals' first-round draft pick of 2009. The battle for the starting strong safety position between veteran Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe. The recovery effort of starting quarterback Carson Palmer from an injury-plagued 2008 season. The antics and catchphrases of wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (who is now Chad Johnson). The development and maturation of wide receiver Chris Henry.
New York Jets (2010)
Some of the issues covered: The vocal coaching style of head coach Rex Ryan, highlighted by several sound bites that became popular after the season, such as "That's being a jackass!" and "Let's go eat a goddamn snack!" Cornerback Darrelle Revis' contract holdout. The battle for the starting fullback position between veteran Tony Richardson, journeyman Jason Davis and rookie John Conner. Second-year starting quarterback Mark Sanchez's development as the "face" of the franchise. Kris Jenkins' return after ACL surgery. Running back Danny Woodhead's attempt to make the team. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie attempting (and failing) to name all nine of his children.
Miami Dolphins (2012)
Some of the issues covered: Contract negotiation of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The position battle between Tannehill, Matt Moore and David Garrard, with Tannehill winning the starting job after week 2 of the pre-season. The health issues of Garrard, especially after undergoing knee surgery during training camp. He was released from the team the same day the season's final episode aired. The difficulty of Les Brown in adjusting from former college basketball player to NFL tight end, and his subsequent release. The meeting in which Philbin notifies Chad Johnson (formerly Chad Ochocinco) of his release following his arrest for allegedly headbutting his wife of 41 days. The trade of cornerback Vontae Davis to the Indianapolis Colts for two future draft picks.
Cincinnati Bengals (2013)
Some of the issues covered: Rookie defensive lineman Larry Black's season-ending injury. Linebacker James Harrison's dislike of the camera crew at training camp. The backup quarterback position battle between Josh Johnson and John Skelton. Estonian rookie defensive end Margus Hunt's adjustment to the NFL and life in the U.S. The fullback position battle between veteran John Conner and converted tight end Orson Charles. The linebacker position battle between undrafted rookies Jayson DiManche and Bruce Taylor Linebacker Aaron Maybin's struggle to stay on the team and his pursuit of painting.
Atlanta Falcons (2014)
Some of the issues covered: The Falcons attempt to build more toughness into the team after a disappointing 2013 season. Veteran Kroy Biermann's attempt to return from a major injury and switch positions. Rookies Tyler Starr's and Jaques Smith's attempt to make the team.
Houston Texans (2015)
Some of the issues covered: Brian Hoyer named starting quarterback over Ryan Mallett. Brian Cushing repeatedly vomits and Jadeveon Clowney returns to the field. J.J. Watt remains the focal point of the team.
The Houston Texans are reportedly the latest team to be selected for HBO's Hard Knocks, joining those in the gallery above. Here are five reasons the Texans should be a fun choice for the show. And while J.J. Watt will undoubtedly be a star, here are some other Texans who should be worth watching. The news is a good excuse to also take a trip down memory lane with some of the best clips from previous seasons of Hard Knocks.
Snoop Dogg Has a New Gig
Did you know that Snoop Dogg is Adidas' "Director of Football Development?" We didn't either, but the two have teamed up and Adidas will be releasing a special collection of cleats and trainers inspired by the legendary rap icon on June 1.
What is Craig Ehlo Up To These Days?
Here is a really strong video on Craig Ehlo's life after Michael Jordan's iconic shot in the first round of the 1989 Eastern Conference playoffs. Where is Jordan's most famous victim now?
P.M. Lovely Lady of the Day
Brian from Parts Unknown wrote in requesting Zoey Deutch for LLOD. He then added, "her mother is Lea Thompson. Need I say more?" No you do not need to say more. Zoey earns today's honors. (click here for full-size gallery).
Hot Clicks Giveaway
What's better than a massage? A massage with Nubar's Black Currant and Sandalwood Massage Oil, of course. And as luck would have it, we have 10 bottles of said product to give away. We'll send one to the 20th, 40th, 60th, 80th, 100th, 120th, 140th, 160th, 180th and 200th person to email andy_gray@simail.com the name of the singer who just debuted a 432-hour song. The answer was in A.M. Clicks. Please make the subject line "Nubar."
Entourage Round-Up
Entourage creator Doug Ellin’s wife, Maddie Diehl, is a very pretty lady... Baron Davis dropped an exclusive clip from the movie featuring him and Gary Busey. Doug Ellin is a big sports fan, and he recently chatted about the NHL playoffs.
Watch Out Cleveland
Josh Hamilton 1, Wall 0
Happy Anniversary to the Best First Pitch of All Time
Emily Ratajkowski Dancing?
Yep, that is Emily Ratajkowski dancing. (Warning: language)
Odds and Ends
Grantland has named its interim editor-in-chief... Not even National Spelling Bee kids can spell Matthew Dellavedova's name... Stephen Curry is a NBA shot-making wizard, but what about the biggest one he never took? Here are 10 athletes right now that no one can figure out... Shaq claimed that he could last 45 seconds against Ronda Rousey (classic photos of Rousey here) ... Houston's mayoral office offered its opinion on Colin Kaepernick's Instagram post... IRS official Richard Weber had some groan-worthy puns on FIFA... Lil B has taken his beef with James Harden to another level... Well, this is one creative way to try to block a shot. KFC has debuted a paper-thin reusable bluetooth keyboard that you can hook up to your phone while eating... Watch Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus reunite on Comedians in Cars.
Man Catches 552-Pound Fish in Kayak
The fish is appropriately called a Goliath Grouper.
Shaq and Kenny Play Mortal Kombat X
As is usually the case, the reactions to the fatalities are better than the fights.
Derrick Rose's Top 10 Plays
His season may be over but Derrick Rose had some fantastic highlights this year.
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