COVID-19 protocols, life after Philip Rivers, social justice: 'Hard Knocks' storylines to watch
Football-starved fans are in for a treat, as the HBO series "Hard Knocks" is set to debut Tuesday night.
Spread out over five weeks, the show follows NFL teams as they go through training camp, leading up to the regular season.
And for the first time in the series' history, two teams will be profiled in one season, as both Los Angeles clubs, the Rams and the Chargers, will be the focus of the show. This is the second time that the Rams have been featured.
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Here's a preview of some of the top storylines to watch over the course of the series.
What will a training camp amid the coronavirus pandemic look like?
HBO already teased a clip of Rams coach Sean McVay wearing a face shield during a coaches meeting in which staff wore facemasks and observed social distancing.
They also offered a glimpse of a socially distanced practice in which Chargers coaches wore masks and had trouble identifying faces because of the coverings.
Expect COVID-19 protocols and how teams and players react to them to be the most prominent storyline for both teams. It's a new world for all 32 teams looking to compete and stay safe, so naturally an adjustment period is to be expected. Hopefully HBO gives viewers the whole glimpse of what playing in a pandemic looks like.
Fighting systemic inequalities
An offseason encapsulated by social unrest and protests over the killing of unarmed Black men and women in America has empowered many athletes to speak out on issues of inequality.
For NFL coaches and front offices, this presents an opportunity to support players to use their voices to create positive change. Hopefully, "Hard Knocks" will offer a peek into how two different franchises are approaching issues of systemic oppression. And hopefully players will feel their voices are amplified with the cameras rolling.
How will the Chargers handle life without Philip Rivers?
For the first time since 2006, the Chargers will enter a season with a starting quarterback other than Philip Rivers, whom the team opted not to re-sign following the 2019 season.
The Chargers open camp with Tyrod Taylor as the presumptive starter for the short-term, but rookie Justin Herbert, the No. 6 overall selection in the 2020 draft is expected to be the passer of the future. Look to see what kind of access HBO offers inside the QB room, which is always a highlight of the series. Expect Herbert to get a healthy amount of screen time, including off-field segments intended to introduce the audience to the rookie.
Rams' (mini) rebuild
One year after making the Super Bowl, the Rams finished a respectable 9-7, but missed out on the playoffs. Veterans like running back Todd Gurley, cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman and linebacker Clay Matthews are no longer with the team and there are some new faces.
But in a stacked division, the Rams will have their hands full, and "Hard Knocks" should give clues as to how the team plans on returning to the postseason. The competition at running back between rookie Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. should be interesting.
Star watch
Every year, several players shine because of their quirky personalities, humor, or unique stories.
On the Chargers, star defensive end Joey Bosa's laid-back demeanor should get him plenty of love from producers and editors, but don't forget about the candor of receiver Keenan Allen, who has never backed away from some trash talk. Safety Derwin James is a safe bet to boost his profile, but also look out for running back Austin Ekeler, who is taking on a much bigger role this year after former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon left in free agency to the Broncos.
For the Rams, all-pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald already starred in "Hard Knocks" in 2016, when the team was last profiled in the series. He'll naturally be heavily featured. But since 2016, the Rams have added the ever-honest Jalen Ramsey, who might emerge as the best quote in the locker room. Ramsey also has an ongoing contract negotiation with the team that might get addressed. A couple of low-key options could be punter Johnny Hekker and tight end Tyler Higbee, both of whom have a solid sense of humor.
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