'Hard Knocks' Review: Dishing out High Grades All-Around for Episode 3

Rookie Show Re-do plus Cobb and Q-Ball make their mark in docuseries

The docuseries continues to bring the heat week in and week out. 

Thus far, HBO's product has been creative, sentimental, dramatic, and just downright entertaining. They have been able to touch on many different facets within the hour-long docuseries episodes and I expect them to finish out the last two episodes the same way. 

The third episode of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets" was certainly a charm for the 2023 rookie class.

In addition to the first-year players redeeming themselves for their awful on-stage performance in Episode 2, a number of them, including running back Israel Abanikanda, also showed out on the field.

While closely reviewing Episode 3, I've chosen to grade four different portions of the program

Rookie Show Redemption

Grade: A

Jerome Kapp stole the show by rapping The Final Battle — Eminem’s infamous movie scene from "8 Mile" — and did so flawlessly, nonetheless.

In their first attempt at the team's rookie show, the first-year Jets started by reenacting a breakdancing scene from "Stomp the Yard." After none of them danced sufficiently, the dud of a show's next act involved getting the entire team to scan a QR code to play some sort of pixelated digital game. Needless to say, it was brutal. Thankfully, veteran linebacker CJ Mosley spared us all. He ended the gong show and demanded a re-do.

Seeking redemption during the latest episode, the rookies all participated in a "battle of the bands" style competition that turned into a glorified karaoke session. Zach Kuntz belted out Keyshia Cole’s “Love” while going shirtless for added effect. The offensive linemen came out singing the Backstreet Boys classic, “I Want It That Way” which ended with being shot by a nerf gun, justifiably. 

Then, Kapp saved the day with a brilliant Slim Shady impersonation that electrified the team. We will wait on the video edits of fans photoshopping Kapp's face onto B-Rabbit’s character to be used as a mic-drop all season.

Cobb Connection 

Grade: A+

Randall Cobb was the source of highlight and good entertainment this episode for bringing value on and off the field. The episode opened up with the veteran receiver, and longtime Aaron Rodgers ally, addressing the receiving corps. Relaying his experience of playing with Rodgers for 10 seasons, he expressed the quarterback's need for trust in his receivers. If there is any ounce of doubt, Rodgers will not throw the ball their way. Cobb couldn’t emphasize that notion enough and really hammered it home for the younger and new teammates to the veteran QB.

Later in the episode, the producers took us on a journey into his personal family life with his wife and two sons. In this scene filmed on a playground, Cobb and his wife spoke about how Rodgers, godfather to one of their two sons, is also referred to as uncle by both of their kids. They referenced the kids curiosity and innocence when they see Uncle Aaron on TV, noting that they don’t even realize just how special [Rodgers] is. The Cobb’s have a nightly tradition of all outing their hands into a huddle and that was how they announced their pregnancy by explaining to the two little ones that there was going to be another hand added next year. It was truly an endearing segment of the show.

Smart and Izzy

Grade: B

The producers decided to highlight underdog defensive tackle Tanzel Smart and rookie running back Israel Abanikanda this episode.

Smart, having worked hard to stay in the league for seven seasons, including four with the Jets, was presented as having an uphill battle in a very competitive space for him to make the 53-man roster. Abanikanda on the other hand, a fifth-round draft pick, also in a competitive space, took a very hard hit in the preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has been sidelined as a result. It is hard to see any player get hurt at any time, let alone preseason, but especially a rookie that is trying to seize the opportunity presented.

These two undeniable talents will be interesting to follow as final cuts are made.

Quinnen Remains Undefeated

Grade: A

All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams continues to be the star of the show week over week. He has a knack for performing, both physically on the field, but also for an audience off the field. He is a force to be reckoned with, and they only show drips and drabs of his physicality and technique on the field, despite having put a spotlight on him and quite a few of his teammates getting into brawls with Bucs players during joint practice competition. The practice got heated and out-of-control at-times, with the players losing the focus and direction of their respective coaches, but certainly made for good entertainment value. Coming out of the practice, William’s light-hearted sense-of-humor brought balance to the drama when he was exclaiming that Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans called him fat. Give us William’s and his not-skinny self every episode and it will make for great TV.

With two episodes remaining, continue to visit Jets Country on SI.com for the latest on the docuseries starring Gang Green. After each episode, I break it down with co-host Ralph Ventre on the Jets Country Podcast.

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