The NFL began the “Hard Knocks” series all the way back in 2001 with the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Over the years, 17 different NFL teams have been featured on the series, with the Dallas Cowboys leading the way with three appearances.
The Washington Commanders have yet to appear on “Hard Knocks.” Not just the Commanders but the Washington franchise under its two previous monikers have yet to appear on the hit reality series.
For the first time, the Commanders have a real shot to be featured on the series in 2023. There are qualifiers to be exempt from the series, none of which apply to Washington [new head coach, two straight playoff berths, and appeared on “Hard Knocks” in the last 10 years].
That leaves four potential options for 2023: The Commanders, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and New Orleans.
Brendan Walker of NFL.com recently ranked the four choices, and the Commanders came in last, which would probably be a relief for head coach Ron Rivera and his coaching staff.
The order:
- Jets
- Bears
- Saints
- Commanders
Here’s Walker’s reasoning for ranking Washington fourth:
Here’s another rebuilding team that could end up being the most drama-producing (for you thrill-seekers), depending on how things play out this offseason. The Commanders are in a transition period, even beyond the fact that ownership might change hands. New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy left a Super Bowl-winning, Patrick Mahomes-led team for a quarterback room that, at the time, was comprised of Sam Howell and Jake Fromm (and has since added Jacoby Brissett). Whether or not this eventually helps him land a head coaching job, he’s got guts, and I respect him for that. I’d love to see his interactions with the players.
There are other feel-good stories to track here, from the continued journey of Brian Robinson, who made an inspiring return to the field last season despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds in an August incident, to Jeremy Reaves, whose emotional reaction to hearing from head coach Ron Rivera that he’d earned Pro Bowl made me want to follow his story more. The Commanders have question marks all over, but maybe Hard Knocks could answer them in 2023.
Walker’s prediction was the Jets, which would be the ideal choice if the Aaron Rodgers’ circus heads to the Big Apple.
As for the Commanders, there are plenty of storylines, too. One of which could be a new owner.