Cleveland Browns: The Main Reason HBO Hard Knocks Is A Bad Idea
While NFL purist may not get it, HBO sure understands what the Cleveland Browns mean to the NFL in 2018. Despite winning just one game in their last two seasons, expectations are high for the new-look Browns heading into Training Camp. It was announced that the Cleveland Browns will be the featured team on HBO Hard Knocks.
While being on the show will add to the intrigue of the Cleveland Browns, it may also bring issues that could be too damaging to their future.
[MarkAds]The Browns are young and were expected to be a surprise for the upcoming season. However, a move of this magnitude will erase all. While game plays will be masked, audibles and formations may change, the fact remains that the Browns will leave themselves open for criticism.
For a team that’s still searching for an identity, HBO Hard Knocks is not the place to be showcasing such youth. In previous years, HBO has had an influx of veteran leadership being followed by the cameras. Look at the Baltimore Ravens (2001), Dallas Cowboys (2002), New York Jets (2010), and Cincinnati Bengals (2009) who boasted a veteran presence who could handle the spotlight. But then you have the younger teams like the Atlanta Falcons (2014), Miami Dolphins (2012), Los Angeles Rams (2016), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017) who displayed younger rosters and failed to meet expectations the same year. This is what will hurt the Browns.
Coming off one win in two seasons, the Cleveland Browns are looking for a facelift of sorts. But in order for this to happen, they must keep everything close to the vest. That’s impossible with cameras following their every move.
With cameras rolling, players no longer become players, but marketing pieces. Not only for themselves but their team, the NFL, and ratings. Last season was a perfect example of that with the Bucs. There was entirely too many silly antics from the players which may have resulted in such a dismal season for a team some picked to be in Super Bowl LII.
Can the Cleveland Browns avoid the same fate?
Forget the marketing the NFL and HBO are trying to do with Cleveland, the Browns should have turned this offer down. All they have to do is think back to the Rams in 2016. All eyes will be on the Browns top pick, Baker Mayfield. With Jackson already claiming Tyrod Taylor as his starter, what happens if Mayfield outperforms him or he struggles? This is not the type of criticism the teams needs at this stage. What happens if Josh Gordon relapses? How will the Browns react if players begin to tune out Jackson who has shown the inability to coach a winner? While this will make for great TV, is this really what the Browns want to show the rest of the world?
The Cleveland Browns have proved to the NFL they have changed. However, broadcasting it other than Sundays will prove to be a fatal mistake.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
