New York Jets

The New York Jets kicked off their season with a home victory last Sunday over the Oakland Raiders, winning 19-14. The Jets had 212 rushing yards and scored field goals in both the 1st and 3rd quarters. The team’s 2 TDs in the 2nd and 4th quarters were scored by RB Chris Johnson and RB Chris Ivory. Second year veteran QB Geno Smith, finished the game 23/28 for 221 yards. WR Eric Decker also caught 5 passes for a total of 74 yards. The Jets received 11 penalties for over 100 yards in the game and Rex Ryan stated after the game he expected much more from the team. They got the victory, but it could have been prettier.

Many teams have major rivals and the NY Jets are no exception. With some of the most epic rivalries in the league and some of the toughest fans in the nation, the Jets have a lot to prove on the field. Two of the team’s biggest rivals are AFC East division opponents: the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. In 2013, the Jets were 1-1 against the Patriots and 1-1 against the Dolphins. This year, the Jets will close their regular season play in late December with games against each of these rivals.

Another traditional rival for the Jets are the NY Giants, with whom the Jets share MetLife Stadium. Because it is home to both teams, MetLife Stadium hosts more NFL games than any other stadium in the country each year. This rivalry is more historic as the 2 teams rarely play each other in today’s game. In 2011 the NY teams faced each other, both seeking a victory in order to advance to the playoffs. The Giants defeated the Jets 29-14.

The Jets will face the Green Bay Packers next at Lambeau Field on Sunday, September 14.

HBO Hard Knocks

HBO has always offered a variety of captivating dramas, comedies and documentaries. The sports documentary series Hard Knocks (in partnership with NFL Films) is no exception. The show captures the routine of both players and coaches during training camp and pre-season games as they prepare for the upcoming season. It gives football fans an inside look at team operations, practice, contract negotiations, the “grind” players endure to keep their spot on the team and prove their worth, the battle for positions, the adjustments rookie players must make as well as a glimpse into the players’ personal lives. The show has won three Sports Emmy Awards, one in 2009 and two in 2010.

Hard Knocks first premiered in 2001 featuring the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, the following teams have been featured: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys and Bengals have each been featured twice. Due to uncertainty with the NFL’s labor situation in 2011, Hard Knocks was not produced. The NFL implemented rules in 2013 listing reasons a team is eligible to avoid Hard Knocks if they wish: if they have a new head coach, if they have reached the playoffs in the past two seasons, or if they have appeared on Hard Knocks within the past 10 years.

Hard Knocks enters its ninth season this year, featuring the Atlanta Falcons. 2014 will be the Falcons’ seventh season under head coach, Mike Smith. The Falcons have made playoff appearances in 4/6 of the past seasons under Smith. This season should have plenty of exciting directions for storylines including anticipation around returning high-profile veterans like Matt Ryan and Roddy White, the recovery path of superstar Julio Jones after a season-ending foot injury last October, and integration of the Falcons’ sixth draft pick, offensive lineman, Jake Matthews. This season will also feature the team’s trip to Texas for a combined practice with the Houston Texans prior to their pre-season game at NRG Stadium on August 16.

HBO’s film crew will shoot more than 1500 hours of footage with unlimited access for the series. Hard Knocks premieres August 5 at 10:00 p.m. EST on HBO.