What we learned from Dolphins’ Hard Knocks episode 2 - Mparas1432's Blog

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What we learned from Dolphins’ Hard Knocks episode 2 Stuck

Posted on August 16, 2012 at 10:03 AM.

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With Chad Johnson’s arrest, this week’s Hard Knocks was one of the most anticipated in the series. The rating reflected it with 984,000 people turning in, which was the series’ second highest rating.

Here’s what we learned:

Chad Johnson’s show is over.
In some ways, HBO’s coverage of the Chad Johnson events was disappointing. We saw more coverage of Johnson against Sean Smith in practice than we did with the Dolphins dealing with the Johnson’s troubles. Where were Karlos Dansby’s comments? Why wasn’t he interviewed? Where was Philbin addressing those comments?

Instead we saw Philbin acting tough. Johnson, who seemed to fully understand his actions caused to the team, didn’t get a chance for the legal process to play out. He was cut. Philbin himself said this wasn’t a move to make a statement, but how many people actually believe him?

Was he doing the best for his team? Who else had a call in that decision? How did the lockeroom react to Philbin’s actions? There were a lot of questions that ultimately went unanswered in this episode.

What now for the receiving group?

Even before Johnson was cut, much of the episode was featured on the receiving core. Chris Hogan could be an unexpected gem, but as much as he stood out in practice, he didn’t get thrown to in their first preseason game. Roberto Wallace seems like a disappointment. Now Legedu Nannee and Devon Bess will have to carry this team, but to say the Dolphins are thin at receiver is an understatement to say the least.

The Tight End Coverage was entertaining

One of the more fascinating aspects of the episode was Tight End coach Dan Campbell and his unproven group of Tight Ends. It was nice to see a coach caring for his players after they got chewed out by a coach. The NFL is a no sympathy league where you’re expected to be a professional, but it was refreshing to see Campbell mentally preparing his players and putting an investment in each one of them.

Other Observations

- In the first part of the episode David Garrard says, “I’m happy, I’m healthy” and then proceeds to get hurt. Yikes.

- David Garrard seems like a very likable person. From his excitement to being first on the depth chart to the mentoring he does to his teammates, it’s a shame Garrard is being setback by his knee injury.

- “I was here before the cameras, coach!”

- “Whenever they put me in, I’ll be ready!”

- Are we tired of Les Brown yet?

What did you think of this week’s episode? Let us know in the comments.

Questions and comments can be sent to Matt at [email protected] or reply in the comments section. You can follow him @Mparas1432.

Comments

# 1 N51_rob @ Aug 16

I enjoyed the episode. I turned it on for the Chad stuff, but I think that "7/11" stuff was pretty good. I also got a kick of out Moore and Tannehill, letting Pat Devlin know that he blew a chance for an easy score when Hogan was WIDE OPEN.

# 2 drewst18 @ Aug 16

You have to remember that this happened in the last day or so of the week. Hell Dansby may have not even made the comments yet, as well I doubt they will interview him based on comments he made to media, show isn't about that really.

He wasn't acting tough, he was cutting him, thats how its done. Its never been any different with any other hard knocks seasons, it is cold and rough, emotionless. And I am sure he isn't the only one who had say, GM and President I am sure were in on it, hes just the one to deliver the message.

Les Brown hasn't developed enough of a story line, but 7/11 is intriguing! Hell I wanna see more of Sean Smith, but the show has always been more about the guys on the bubble trying to make it.

# 3 Mparas1432 @ Aug 16

Dansby's comments were made on Monday and Hard Knocks, if it's the same as 24/7, isn't completely wrapped up until Tuesday.

I would have just liked to see the GM and President talking about the situation more. There was the phone call, but something about Philbin seemed like this decision was rushed. I got that feeling even before the episode aired.

Also, I agree with you that 7/11 is one of the better storylines that's happened so far.