Important Takeaways
- Finally, Brad Holmes is introduced to the show. Brad Holmes was hired to be the Lions’ General Manager in 2022, previously working with the Rams. He took the reigns of this franchise in a state of poverty. Just two seasons later, the Lions are respected upward slope, and he is an important reason.
- We get an in-depth look at a coaches’ meeting. The staff evaluates players and discusses which players should and shouldn’t make the team.
- Campbell then addresses the team and compliments them on their attitude at the hotel they stayed at for the Colts game. The players got a good report from the hotel, and Campbell made them aware of how important that level of respect is. A small detail, but interesting. The focus on attitude, mental toughness, and discipline is pure Dan Campbell.
- MCDC, Motor City Dan Campbell, possibly does the craziest thing he’s done yet. A coachless practice. More importantly, a player-led practice. The players were expected to lead drills themselves during the entire practice.
- It only took four episodes, but Lions starting quarterback, Jared Goff, is finally introduced. He then got a whopping five minutes of TV time and vanished. Probably the first and last we see of him. Either he did something to piss off the Hard Knocks crew, or HBO simply doesn’t find him interesting. It’s probably option two.
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Important Takeaways
- Running Back Craig Reynolds gets some love from HBO. Reynolds is fighting for a roster spot, but the coaches insist he’s a perfect fit for the team. Reynolds would go on to make 53 man roster Tuesday, August 30.
- Central Michigan Wide receiver Kahlil Pimpleton visits a juggling center. I wasn’t aware these existed, but he finds a professional juggler of some sort. Later in the show, they show his endzone drop in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Pimpleton would not make the final roster. Sad news for one writer who attended Central Michigan… “We gave them chances to make a play, and they either do it, or they don’t,” said Campbell on the sideline against the Steelers.
- A food truck visits the training camp. Alim McNeil is not a fan of cow tail. Don’t blame him.
- The offensive and defense compete against each other in a drill. The offense wins. Shocker.
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Important Takeaways
- We get to visit the family of Malcolm Rodriguez, a fan favorite. They talk about the importance of stopping Pittsburgh running back Najee Harris in the upcoming preseason game.
- Aidan Hutchinson continues to be an animal and wreaks havoc on defenses. He gets a highlight package during the final preseason game against the Steelers. Malcolm Rodriguez gets a similar segment.
- Hard Knocks addresses the backup quarterback issue. Tim Boyle and David Blough are both competing to be the next man up to Jared Goff. However, neither have impressed Dan Campbell. Boyle was supposed to play the first half of the preseason game but was replaced prior to halftime. Boyle didn’t impress in his performance either. Their poor play and inability to consistently move the offense lost us the game. Both were cut team this week (not seen in the show), which leaves the Lions with just one QB on the roster.