Dec 7-14, 3:30 PM UTC
Pop Warner Football Super Bowl
Jan 19, 2025, 6:00 PM UTC
Dream Bowl

5 Takeaways From The Debut Of 'Hard Knocks'

5 Takeaways From The Debut Of 'Hard Knocks'

The five things we learned from watching 'Hard Knocks' episode 1.

Aug 9, 2018 by Kyle Bratke
5 Takeaways From The Debut Of 'Hard Knocks'

Episode 1 of ‘Hard Knocks’ is in the books which means NFL football is officially in full effect. After getting an inside look at the Cleveland Browns training camp, five takeaways jumped out to us.

Jarvis “Juice” Landry Is A Baller

The Cleveland Browns acquired Jarvis Landry in a March trade with the Miami Dolphins and judging from the debut episode of Hard Knocks, it may have been their most important offseason acquisition. Not only did Landry lead the NFL in receptions last year, but he has emerged as a vocal leader for the Browns. Landry made headlines when he ripped into the Browns wide receiver room for not practicing. 

Viewer discretion is advised as Landry drops roughly 30 F-bombs. 

Not only has Landry been leading off of the field, but on the field as well with his insane play making abilities. 


Where In The World Is Josh Gordon?

One of the opening scenes of the episode shows Browns head coach Hue Jackson explaining to the offensive coaches that Gordon will not be in training camp right away and he isn’t sure when he will report.

Later on in the episode, Hue Jackson receives a text message from Gordon that reads, “This is my new number, so you can lock me in. I just want to say thank you for sticking by me when I needed it most. You and your family are in my prayers tonight. I wish you all the love, peace of mind. God bless the household. Sincerest condolences. I will see you soon.”

A day after the episode premiered, a YouTube channel called “Shooters Touch Films” released a video of Gordon working out at the University of Florida.



Tyrod Taylor & Baker Mayfield Look Good

I know, I know it’s training camp and they are running against their own defense, but I was impressed with both Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield. Tyrod was his usual savvy self, and Mayfield made it look like he had been in the league for years.

Watch Mayfield lead the Browns down the field. There are a few adult words in this clip as well. 

Tyrod Taylor looking as sharp as ever.


Carl Nassib Is An Electric Factory

If Carl Nassib’s football career doesn’t work out he might have a future as financial advisor.


The Cleanse Seems Real

Before last season, Hue Jackson said he would jump in Lake Erie if Cleveland went 0-16. Sure enough, the Browns did and in June, Jackson stayed true to his world. Jackson called it “The Cleanse” and after watching episode 1 of Hard Knocks this really does feel like a different team than the one that has gone 1-31 overall the past two seasons. The Browns have a lot of young talent and haven’t had this much talent at the quarterback position in a very long time.