Will "Hard Knocks" Mean More Misery in Miami?

by: Danny

It was announced earlier this week that the hit HBO show "Hard Knocks" will feature the Miami Dolphins this August. Because anything and everything that is the NFL is scrutinized and analyzed, this announcement drew both praise and criticism around the country. Many wondered if the Dolphins were simply the only team that didn't turn it down. Others speculated that owner Steven Ross, who has been known for his desire to make a big splash, actually pushed for this. Some think it's a good move for the Fins. Others have wondered why a team with a rookie Head Coach, rookie quarterback, and unsettled front office would want to be featured in this manner.

Talking heads Teddy Bruschi and Tim Hasselbeck both openly criticized the move a couple of days ago on ESPN. (On a personal note, I cannot stand Bruschi on tv. Bruschi was a great fit for those Patriots squads, no doubt. But, put him in any other situation, and he would have been an average player. In this case, the system really did make the player. But, to hear him talk, he is the be all and end all of football. In my book, he's horrible.)

Most would have a hard time as a rookie head coach, like Joe Philbin, welcoming in a camera crew to document their first training camp as the man in charge. It takes a lot of confidence in yourself to take on this type of attention. So, in that regard, I applaud Philbin for taking on that challenge and being self-confident enough to do so. In reality, what can it hurt? The national exposure might put a few more people in the seats at Dolphins home games for this upcoming season. Also, it might begin to take away the stigma of being somewhat of a laughingstock, a tag that is been put on the Dolphins for their many failed attempts to land a star (i.e. Jim Harbaugh, Jeff Fisher, Peyton Manning.) If America sees a competent coach running a well-crafted camp under the watchful eye of a competent owner, perceptions will certainly change.

Many have wondered if rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be adversely affected by this overexposure. Well, if he is, at least Miami will know rather early that they still don't have a franchise QB in the fold. If you can't handle a couple of cameras around, how are you going to handle a 275 lb. blindside blitzing linebacker on a fall Sunday? Something to ponder. If anything, this will help Tannehill to grow up in a hurry. Not a bad thing for the QB-needy Dolphins.

As a fan, I am excited to see the Dolphins in the limelight once again. In the days of Dan Marino, Miami was considered a marquee franchise despite the lack of championships. In this area, the Dolphins were routinely on every Sunday and were constantly considered contenders by experts everywhere. Those days are long gone. The Fins need some positive publicity to get back in the good graces of the American public. I think that this is a step in the right direction. Now, I just need to find a way to get HBO before this thing gets rolling in August. Because, with the increased level of transparency that Hard Knocks will bring, it will be blatantly clear to see whether or not Miami is finally headed in the right direction. If they aren't, there will certainly be more laughs to follow.