Episode two of Hard Knocks focused on the players. However, in Episode three, the spotlight goes right back to the star of the show, Motor City Dan Campbell.
Another Opening Campbell Speech
The Episode starts with another classic Dan Campbell speech. First of all, please get this man a Ted Talk. In an alternate universe, he’s making money doing motivational speeches. He continues to lead by example on the field and in the locker room. Campbell hassles people for being late, is hands-on in drills, and continues to pump belief into this team. It’s truly a gift not very many leaders have.
Fighting to Make the Team
Hard Knocks transitions into their classic, “is this guy going to make it?” player of the season. Obinna Eze, a Nigerian native from the University of Memphis, shares his journey to football. He never saw a football before moving to America for school.
The Lions do their weekly rookie talent show this week featuring Kahlil Pimpleton, Wideout from Central Michigan, my alma mater. Kahlil juggled in front of the team, getting all kinds of cheers’ and boo’s. Pimpleton, if he makes the team, will be a huge positive for the special teams. Once against Western Michigan, CMU’s biggest Rival, Pimpleton brought back two punt returns to the house to win the game. He’s fighting for a roster spot, but Campbell coaching him up during sessions and the team enjoying his unique funny character are good signs.
A Big Time Culture Guys For Campbell
The Lions have a joint practice with Colts, an AFC playoff contender. Jamaal Williams wins the “most chill guy…until he’s not” award. You have to either have Jamaal on your team or watch Hard Knocks to understand how valuable Williams can be to a locker-room and a team off the field. Getting into altercations with the Colts and letting them hear it when he wins drills. “Come get your boy,” Williams said after scoring a TD. It’s nice to have a slightly crazy guy like this on your team because it sets the tone for a lot of the young guys. Great stuff for the Dan Campbell attitude Hard Knocks is displaying as their main story.
Kayvon Thibodeaux may have gone to the bigger market in New York, but Aidan Hutchinson is getting a lot more national media time because of Hard Knocks. HBO has put the second overall pick on our screens more than any other player on the team, and it’s for a reason. Everything he has done up to this point has been exactly what you expect from someone you drafted to be a star. People don’t realize how much Hutchinson lives up to our values determines the ceiling of the Lions’ defense. Up to this point, he’s done everything and more you can ask him to. Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glen even told him, “I’m glad you were everything they said about you,” referring to his attitude and leadership.
Of course, a little more Malcolm, ‘Rodrigo’ Rodriguez cant hurt. Officially told be the linebackers coach, Kelvin Sheppard, he’s competing for a starting job. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again; if he can be a day one impact guy, that could make a huge difference to the defense.
Preseason Week 2: Dan Campbell’s Wish Comes True
The Lions enter their preseason game with the Colts. Pimpleton, the underrated rookie, gets more screen time. His parents watch from the stands, as he is frustrated with himself for dropping the ball. Meanwhile, Rodrigo continues to show his ruthless aggression. He loves to hit people more than Dan Campbell likes his espresso machine.
The Lions continue to roll the Colts, as they did all week in practice, now in Week 2 of the preseason. The Lions only end up winning by one score, but it may as well be a 42-3 blowout for this locker room. Eze and Lucas get their spot light time, and both show the value they can bring to a roster. It all comes down to the Colts attempting a two-point conversation for the win. As we know, the Lions get the job done and win the game 27-26.
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