Knock, knock. Who is there? An NFL Films camera crew.
Back in July, we learned that the Cincinnati Bengals would be part of the first-ever multi-team ‘Hard Knocks: In Season’ series. I was intrigued. After all, all four AFC North teams finished with a winning record last year.
But now, with the first episode set to air on HBO and Max on Tuesday, I am less excited about this novel approach.
Coming off a bye at 4-7, the team is staring down the barrel of a lost season. So broadcasting its struggles to the world feels like pouring salt into an open wound.
But here they are, helping to reshape ‘Hard Knocks’ folklore, as a quartet of adversaries go under the collective microscope for the first time in the programme’s 23 years.
Do not get your hopes up
The new format will give viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at some of football’s fiercest rivalries. But because the show will run into January, Bengals fans will probably have to endure rather than enjoy.
Watching two of Cincinnati’s fearsome foes march off into the postseason will be like going to a party where the cool couple are dancing and raiding the parents’ drinks cabinet.
Meanwhile, you are stuck in the corner, nursing a flat lemonade, with some loser from computer club. Or Cleveland, if you prefer.
Sure, the tiniest flicker of hope remains. What if – I know this sounds crazy but stay with me for a second – what if this is the moment when everything turns around? It could be epic, Emmy-winning stuff.
But let us not delude ourselves. The chances of that happening are slimmer than Jermaine Burton’s knowledge of the Bengals’ playbook.
Cincinnati would need to win out. The Broncos, Colts and Dolphins would all have to stumble. A sacrifice to the football gods may even be required. Luckily, I have suggestions, if needed.
Peeking behind the curtain
So if not an amazing late-season reincarnation, what might we hope to see behind the scenes at Paycor Stadium?
A spark of potential in an overlooked rookie, perhaps? The seeds of a revival being sown through some new coaching strategies?
To be honest, I would settle for some quality banter around the ping-pong table, recently reinstalled in the locker room to build camaraderie down the stretch.
But I suspect the first episode might well focus on Pittsburgh banging the final nail into Cincy’s playoff coffin.
A victory for the 8-3 Steelers on Sunday would essentially extinguish the Bengals’ postseason chances. So yeah, it will probably be that.
As Bengals fans, we are used to it.
