With training camp formally underway for all 32 NFL groups, HBO’s annual Exhausting Knocks sequence has additionally returned to the highlight. It was introduced early on that this yr’s offseason model of the hit tv present would deal with the younger Detroit Lions roster and their larger-than-life head coach Dan Campbell. When does Exhausting Knocks begin? How are you going to watch it, and what storylines can we count on to be coated?
When does HBO’s Exhausting Knocks begin?
The offseason model of Exhausting Knocks that focuses on the Lions will premiere on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Earlier this week, a trailer for the show was released on NFL.com. It highlighted the shifting mindset in Detroit, with Campbell’s monologue focusing closely on a much-improved roster and degree of play.
Campbell’s voice echoed over some fast highlights of coaching camp footage with the phrases “You’ve by no means seen Lions like these” on the display. Behind the intelligent play on phrases was a transparent message that this Detroit crew is seeking to enhance considerably from their 3-13-1 file from final season.
Exhausting Knocks is now heading into its seventeenth season, and this would be the first time the Lions are featured. There’s additionally an in-season model of the present that began final yr with the Indianapolis Colts. In 2022, will probably be the Arizona Cardinals’ flip to be featured.
Tips on how to watch Exhausting Knocks: Channel, time, and extra
NFL followers can catch Exhausting Knocks on the premium channel HBO. Along with catching it dwell at 10 p.m. ET, it may be streamed after its preliminary airing on HBO’s streaming platform HBO Max.
- Date: Tuesday, Aug. 9
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Channel: HBO
- Stream: HBO Max
This season, there will probably be 5 episodes of Exhausting Knocks. Right here is the schedule for these episodes, which all air on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.
- Episode 1: Tuesday, Aug. 9
- Episode 2: Tuesday, Aug. 16
- Episode 3: Tuesday, Aug. 23
- Episode 4: Tuesday, Aug. 30
- Episode 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6
Detroit Lions Exhausting Knock storylines
As we head into the Detroit Lions’ Exhausting Knocks debut, there’s a ton of buzz surrounding this crew. After placing collectively one of many higher draft day performances this offseason, there’s hope that the roster can proceed to develop and play up for his or her fashionable head coach. Listed here are some potential storylines we will be careful for throughout this season’s Exhausting Knocks.
Will Detroit’s personal Aidan Hutchinson be a direct issue?
When Aidan Hutchinson fell to the Lions’ second general within the 2022 NFL Draft, it was all however assured that Campbell and the group would bounce on the probability so as to add a premier homegrown expertise to their roster. Considered one of many prime move rushers within the class and a Heisman Trophy runner-up, expectations are excessive for Hutchinson. Up to now in camp, he has continued to impress.
“Definitely Hutch, I imply, he simply, he pops,” coach Campbell mentioned at his morning press convention. “To look at him simply proceed to work and undergo it, I’m telling you day by day he simply will get just a little bit higher, and that’s all you care about, is that you just simply see just a little little bit of enchancment day by day.”
After Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons set the bar extremely excessive final season for rookie edge rushers, Hutchinson is hoping to adapt to the NFL recreation simply as shortly. His improvement will probably be one thing to maintain your eye on throughout Exhausting Knocks, particularly when he strains up in opposition to 2021 first-round draft choose Penei Sewell.
What is going to Detroit’s retooled offense appear to be and might the crew compete?
The much-debated determination to commerce Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams and exchange him with Jared Goff is one which we don’t have to get into. No matter how that deal got here to be, the Lions are nonetheless transferring ahead with Goff beneath middle. He was first rate sufficient final yr, finishing 67.2% of his passes, however the offense was clearly missing firepower.
In 2022, that may probably now not be the case. Amon-Ra St. Brown had a breakout season final yr and will probably be seeking to proceed to develop. The 22-year-old put up 912 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns as a rookie fourth-round choose.
As well as, the crew introduced in free agent DJ Chark and added rookie Jameson Williams within the first spherical of the draft. Williams is coming off of an ACL damage and can probably not be wholesome to begin the yr, however he’ll nonetheless make an impression upon his return.
With a top-tier offensive line, a good improve talent-wise within the WR room, and Goff now in his second yr with the crew, we might see a significantly better offense in 2022. With a season win complete set at 6.5, sportsbooks are predicting solely a slight improve within the crew’s file. Nonetheless, PFN’s Ian Wharton lately launched his record predictions for the Lions and believes the over is in play.
“Lots will go proper for the Lions as a franchise in 2022. The wins is not going to come simply, however their schedule has favorable stretches. They’ve winnable video games in opposition to the Bears twice, Giants, Jets, Jaguars, and Panthers beginning Week 10.
There’s room for error for the Lions to upend a contender and deal with enterprise en path to a canopy on the 6.5-win complete line.”
Clearly, there’s optimism round Detroit, and Exhausting Knocks is probably going going to play into that storyline on a weekly foundation.
