The Lions are one of five teams that can be forced to appear on “Hard Knocks” this season, but the team’s brass appears to be doing everything it can to deflect the hit HBO show to another team — specifically Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders.
“I think Jon Gruden is an excellent choice for that show,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. “I think the Oakland Raiders and everything they’ve got going on right now would be fantastic viewing for everybody to watch.”
Matt Patricia was asked if he wants the Lions on Hard Knocks.
He said Jon Gruden would be great for the show. pic.twitter.com/YxhLsoV4cg
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) February 12, 2019
Lions general manager Bob Quinn said if Detroit is playing the “Hard Knocks” team that season, someone in the Lions’ scouting department actually watches and DVRs the show to try to learn about the featured team’s scheme and personnel. Quinn said he knows other NFL teams do it, including the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
“So, it’s real. Is it going to be a matter of a win and loss, I’m not sure,” Quinn said. “But we take the stuff that we do behind our doors pretty privately and pretty securely, so that’s something that is definitely a factor.”
Lions GM Bob Quinn on Hard Knocks: “Nobody wants to do it.”
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) February 12, 2019
Quinn later said, “Nobody wants to do it. Except Oakland.”
There is no curse of Hard Knocks, and it’s really great exposure for a lesser known team. Also the fans love it, so not much downside for the teams, other than cameras in their faces for five weeks.
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