Now that the 2019 NFL season is complete, and most of the head coaches have been fired, we know which teams are eligible to appear on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
Last year we watched the Raiders as the team deteriorated before our very eyes with the Antonio Brown drama and everything that came with it. We’d expect less theatrics in 2020, but it should still be quality television.
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NFL ‘Hard Knocks’ eligibility qualifications
Technically, any team can appear on “Hard Knocks” if they volunteer. But it’s extremely unlikely that happens. So the NFL made a rule change in 2013 that allowed itself to force a team to appear on the show, as long as it meets the following qualifications:
The team hasn’t made the playoffs in either of the last two seasonsThe team doesn’t have a first-year head coachThe team hasn’t been on the program at any point in the last 10 years
These five teams can appear on ‘Hard Knocks’ in 2020
Pittsburgh SteelersDetroit LionsJacksonville JaguarsArizona CardinalsDenver Broncos
As for when the decision will be made, that depends on how willing a team is to accept the role. Previously, the announcement has been made at some point in May. But last year, the league waited until the middle of June to announce the Raiders (the show airs in early August when training camps begin).
So which team will be selected? Let’s break down the candidates.
‘Hard Knocks’ top candidates 2020
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh nearly made the playoffs this year despite a revolving door at quarterback. It’d be cool to watch Mike Tomlin behind the scenes. You can also bet NFL Films will focus heavily on James Conner considering his backstory. The presence of Ryan Shazier will surely be felt throughout as well if Pittsburgh is chosen.
But based on end-of-the-year comments by Tomlin, it seems like he’s not overly interested in participating.
Detroit Lions
The Lions were also eligible last year, and are the only team on this list to be eligible for consecutive years. As we mentioned last year, Detroit just doesn’t seem like an overly interesting team to film. There aren’t too many storylines that jump out as must-see TV. The Lions finished with just three wins this year, and at the moment don’t have an overly interesting roster for 2020. There are better options available for the NFL to choose from.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars wouldn’t be a terrible choice. They have Gardner Minshew, who might just be the most interesting quarterback in the NFL. It’s a shame Jalen Ramsey is no longer on the team. He’d provide endless entertainment, but there are plenty of other fun players in Jacksonville.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals only won five games this year, but they have a solid roster and could be a team to watch out for in 2020. With second-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury and 2019’s first overall draft pick Kyler Murray, Arizona would be a solid selection for “Hard Knocks.” Also, depending on what Larry Fitzgerald decides, we could get an inside glimpse of his potential final season in the NFL. We’ve seen Arizona covered by NFL Films in the past as they were the focus on Amazon’s “All Or Nothing” series in 2015.
Denver Broncos
Denver is similar to Detroit in my eyes as a team that just isn’t that interesting for “Hard Knocks.” They’re more interesting than the Lions, but not by much. Denver does have a fairly large fanbase compared to the other teams on this list, so we’d have to expect that to factor into things.
Overall, the favorite in my eyes to be the NFL’s pick would be the Steelers. They have the NFL history, great storylines and a good football team. Not to mention a very large fanbase that would be great for ratings.