Jets' 'Hard Knocks' Review: Grading Four Elements from Tuesday's Debut Episode

The first episode did not disappoint as it seemingly hit on all of the main characters while setting the scene for the 2023 New York Jets.

The first episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks did not disappoint as it seemingly hit on all of the essential characters while setting the scene for the 2023 New York Jets. 

From opening with the historic montage of legendary Jets' moments and news of Aaron Rodgers's acquisition to spotlighting emerging stars Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, the episode struck almost all the right notes. The surprise guest appearance arriving by way of helicopter was a nice touch, too.

Opening / Introduction

Grade: C

The episode opened with a montage that suggested a parallel between Broadway Joe's Jets and the 2023 team led by Rodgers. Then, we see head coach Robert Saleh speaking in a team meeting. Saleh used a somewhat awkwardly-delivered analogy of an eagle and crow food-chain dynamic as a comparison to the situation the team currently faces. With the Jets being the eagle and the "haters" likened to the crow, Saleh explained the eagle's method of triumph over the lesser, pestering opponents. It was odd that Saleh used another team's mascot to represent the Jets. Although it was a valiant attempt by the head coach, the metaphor seemed like a stretch of the imagination. The same message could have delivered using actual jet airplanes and fuel as the foundation of a comparison.

Incorporation of Liev Schrieber

Grade: A+

The dramatic entrance of Liev Schrieber was high-level content, leaving us all temporarily on the edge of our seats waiting to see who would emerge from the helicopter as it landed in Florham Park. The narrator's on-camera appearance served as added value to the episode considering Rodgers had previously mentioned that he was most excited at the chance to possibly meet Schrieber, who has narrated 18 of the last 19 seasons of the docuseries, at some point. His helicopter landing marked the first time he ever visited the "Hard Knocks" production site. Rodgers kept referring to him as ‘The Voice of God’, but Schrieber responded by paying tribute to the original NFL Films narrator, John Facenda. The interactions between Rodgers and Schrieber were raw and uncut and made you feel the mutual respect and excitement each other were experiencing in the moment. One of the first things Schrieber asked Rodgers was the hot topic surrounding the team’s hesitance on participating in the series, effectively capturing the viewer.

Comedic Value

Grade: B+

NFL Films did a great job of highlighting the lighthearted moments between players and coaches. They addressed the Gardner-Rodgers jewelry gift ordeal, focused in on teammates' handshakes and even showed Rodgers poking fun at his non-elastic sleeved jersey. There was a segment that tackled Rodgers's patented impressive no-look pass. The future Hall-of-Famer is sharing insight on the skill with the young Zach Wilson as he serves in a veteran mentorship role. Meanwhile, receivers were filmed trying to recreate the no-look pass, providing pure comedy for fans watching. The subsequent segment on offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and his relationship with Rodgers, could have filled a whole episode with quality content.

Overall Production Decisions

Grade: B+

The Jets' return to "Hard Knocks" kicked off with an episode that was fun, dramatic, thoughtful and carefully put together. There is a big opportunity here to put equipment managers and their world on display. Hopefully, the producers decide to give Vito Contento the limelight he derserves moving forward. Rodgers joked that Contento felt snubbed the last time the Jets were on "Hard Knocks," so I actually do hope we make Contento the unassuming star after all is said and done. The episode grazed over the offensive line and running backs room, so it should be interesting to see if they take on a greater presence. There just may not have been enough room for those characters in the first episode, but they will play an important role in the Jets' level of success this season. Speaking for everyone, I think it is safe to say we could watch a lot more of Hackett, Rodgers and the offense as whole. Let's see if we get it. 

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