The Bengals have transformed as a team since those 2009 days in Georgetown, Kentucky. Only 13 players are left from 2009. Carson Palmer is long gone, and Chad Ochocinco has just been released from a jail cell. The star players of that Wild Card team are gone, replaced by the likes of Andy Dalton and AJ Green.
Dalton and Green seem to have pretty nondescript personalities from the outside eye. Those two, as with many of the team's best players heading into 2013, don't seek the limelight. However, fans will get to see if this observation holds true on the show. Last time around, we found out Palmer was ultra picky about his Gatorade. What is Dalton really like commanding a team? I think we will find out he is more fiery than people think, much like a Boomer Esiason.
Green is nothing like Ochocinco, but Hard Knocks will give fans the chance to see what some of his hobbies are besides juggling. There may not be much there. Green seems to me like an ultra focused individual who wishes to perfect his craft, very much like Jerry Rice.
Another development on the show will be the change in the mannerisms of Marvin Lewis, who is now winless in 3 of the last 4 seasons in the playoffs. This will be Lewis' third appearance on the show. Will Lewis have a short temper and less patience for mistakes?
Another development on the show will be the change in the mannerisms of Marvin Lewis, who is now winless in 3 of the last 4 seasons in the playoffs. This will be Lewis' third appearance on the show. Will Lewis have a short temper and less patience for mistakes?
Some other story lines to watch starting the first week in August on the opening episode of Hard Knocks:
1. Linebackers-Rey Maualuga was viewed as a rising stud last time on the show as a rookie. He will now be considered a disappointing veteran at a crossroads in his career. How will he react to the pressure? Vontaze Burfict and James Harrison will also be fun to watch as tough, intimidating figures.
2. Zim, Gruden, and the assistants-Yes, we will see plenty of Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer screaming at his players again. The big question is Jay Gruden. Viewers will be able to witness whether Gruden is similar to his brother, Jon, and how he manages a rookie running back and tight end, along with the progressions of Dalton and Green. Hue Jackson will be featured plenty on the show. He is Marvin Lewis' right hand man, and the running backs coach. Jackson is still considered a potential head coach.
3. Has Mike Brown changed? The short answer is probably not. However, have these last couple seasons of coming short of playoff victories worn on the owner? Brown is finally attempting to build a consistent winner, and he could be more forceful on the 2013 show in order to push for a championship contender.
4. Pacman and Andre-The show will capture the legal issues of the third corner, focusing on whether Pacman Jones will see the field at the start of the regular season. Smith is a funny character. You never know what he truly thinks about things or how he is motivated to play well. Smith may show up to camp out of shape, which is always a buzz worthy topic in Cincinnati.
5. The rookies-A Hard Knocks specialty. Rookies are always hazed somewhat coming into the league. The first ever Hard Knocks of the Ravens featured a whole theatrical show on making fun of the first year players. Who are the big jesters on the Bengals who will prank the rookies as vets in the NFL? Tyler Eifert and Gio Bernard will have plenty of comic attention coming their way. Margus Hunt's coming to America from Estonia to play football could be taken advantage of in potential jokes. Also, first year offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson looks like Will Farrell, which could be a funny development.
3. Has Mike Brown changed? The short answer is probably not. However, have these last couple seasons of coming short of playoff victories worn on the owner? Brown is finally attempting to build a consistent winner, and he could be more forceful on the 2013 show in order to push for a championship contender.
4. Pacman and Andre-The show will capture the legal issues of the third corner, focusing on whether Pacman Jones will see the field at the start of the regular season. Smith is a funny character. You never know what he truly thinks about things or how he is motivated to play well. Smith may show up to camp out of shape, which is always a buzz worthy topic in Cincinnati.
5. The rookies-A Hard Knocks specialty. Rookies are always hazed somewhat coming into the league. The first ever Hard Knocks of the Ravens featured a whole theatrical show on making fun of the first year players. Who are the big jesters on the Bengals who will prank the rookies as vets in the NFL? Tyler Eifert and Gio Bernard will have plenty of comic attention coming their way. Margus Hunt's coming to America from Estonia to play football could be taken advantage of in potential jokes. Also, first year offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson looks like Will Farrell, which could be a funny development.
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