Here are three reasons the Buccaneers would make a great fit on “Hard Knocks”.
Sports, and especially the workings of our favorite teams, are often under a cloak of mystery. The public just doesn’t get the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes. If they do, than opponents do. But for Buccaneers fans, that may change this summer. There is a pretty good chance we will all get a pretty good look into what this team is really all about.
As we reported earlier this week, it appears that the Bucs may just be the favorites to appear on Hard Knocks. You all know how that goes. It takes you from check-in day through the end of the preseason and many of the final cuts. You see everything that goes on, from meetings, to players being cut, through coaches banter during the games. It’s all there for the world to see.
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Most teams show a lot of trepidation about going on the show, and it is understandable. Often times, the concern is that players are going to act for the cameras. They are going to lose focus on the work that needs to be done, instead promoting their personal “brands”.
Other times, teams believe that the cameras are a distraction in general. Some get concerned about letting other teams know their business. There are legitimate reasons to worry about going on the program.
However, if handled correctly, it can be great exposure for a team. It can work out not only for the fans, but for the team itself as well. If the Bucs are the team chosen, it can work out really well for all parties involved.
Here are three reasons why:
Setting the Record Straight with Jameis Winston
The Bucs faced their fair share of grief when they selected Jameis Winston in the 2015 NFL draft. No matter our feelings about the young quarterback, we cannot deny the fact that he entered the league with some baggage. Like it or not, the Florida State incident left a bad taste in the mouth of many around the league. Some thought that Winston would not be able to handle the responsibility of being the face of a franchise.
Well, Bucs fans know how that turned out. As our president said during the debates, “Wrong!”. Winston has been nothing BUT the face of this franchise. He has been a leader on the field that his teammates can look up to. Winston has also been a leader in the community, making his presence felt almost from day one. The Bucs couldn’t have asked for a better face of the franchise.
Still, there are the “haters” out there that refuse to give him the respect. It seems that some are almost waiting for him to have even a small slip up so they can jump on him. Take the classroom thing for example. There was no evil intent. It was a simple poor choice of words. Yet, there is a continued double standard for him, where he is jumped on every time for any perceived mistake.
What better way is there to show the world that Winston is here to stay than TV? His speeches can be broadcast the world over. His leadership qualities can be seen by all. He would be perfect in this forum.
The Unknown Head Coach
Not only is the show useful for getting to know the team, you also can learn about some of the personalities. Television has a unique way of taking us inside people, be it during drama programs, comedy programs, or any other type. Hard Knocks takes that concept into the world of the NFL. It deepens the connection between the fans and the team. Not that we NEED that, but it makes things even deeper anyway.
Who is Dirk Koetter? Nobody really knows. Well, his players know of course, but the world really doesn’t know. He is in his second year as an NFL head coach. He didn’t get a lot of attention when serving as an offensive coordinator, it’s not the nature of the position. As the head coach, Dirk Koetter is front and center. On the show, we will see Koetter both with his coaches and his players. We will see how he relates to people and gain some insights as to who he is.
The show will also feature Koetter front and center with his team, both during meetings and practices. What type of leader is he? What is it about him that makes his players want to play for him? Make no mistake about it, last year proved that this team believes in him. Why do they feel that way? Is he a players coach, or more of a disciplinarian? Those questions and many others will be answered if the Bucs are featured on television.
It will certainly make for interesting plot points.
Respect
Sunday Night Football is a major player in weekend, prime time television. National television is an example of where respected teams appear often. That takes me to the final reason that the team can benefit from the program. That reason is respect.
This team did not get the respect it deserved last year. Despite the fact they went on a winning streak that put them a breath away from the playoffs. Despite the fact that their defense played on a level that was near the 2002 team. Despite all of that and more, there was no respect. The team deserves better, am I right?
The defense is centered around young players like Noah Spence, Kwon Alexander and Vernon Hargreaves. On offense, the team was already dangerous prior to adding DeSean Jackson. They have the potential to be all-world with him in the fold. The sky is the limit for the Bucs on all sides of the football. Being featured on the national stage will show the country how good they really can be and finally put them on the road to the respect they deserve.
Next: Mock Draft: Bucs Grab a Safety
For anyone concerned about going on the show, don’t be. The Bucs can handle it. It will actually work out well for them if they are selected.