Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott likely aren’t thrilled that NFL Films cameras will be infiltrating training camp in late July-early August for the annual “Hard Knocks†series that airs over five episodes on HBO. The team’s social media channel has not acknowledged Wednesday’s news.
The Bills clearly didn’t raise their hand – the NFL selected them after an April rule change allowed playoff teams from the previous season to be eligible.
“That was my initial reaction: I didn’t know the rules had changed,†long snapper Reid Ferguson said. “It caught a lot of us off guard.â€
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Given a day to process the news, Ferguson and left tackle Dion Dawkins were excited about fans getting a peek behind the Bills’ curtain.
“I think it will be a good opportunity to showcase the positives, and I think ‘Hard Knocks’ does a good job of that,†Ferguson said. “I’ve watched (the show) every year, for the most part, and they try to paint everybody in a good light and bring positive stories to every episode. People are going to get access they’ve never gotten before (about the Bills). It will be pretty cool.â€
A “Hard Knocks†crew films Raiders players stretching during a 2019 practice in Alameda, Calif.
I asked Ferguson for his top five potential breakout stars of “Hard Knocks,†the caveat being that quarterback Josh Allen doesn’t count because, of course, he’ll be featured.
“One of the obvious answers is ‘Buffalo Joe,’†said Ferguson, referring to linebacker Joe Andreessen. “(Dawkins), I probably need to throw him up there. I’m going to go with (tight ends) Dalton (Kincaid) and Dawson (Knox) – they’ll count as No. 3. Probably (running back) Ray Davis – I feel like they’re going to want to do something on him and his (back)story (growing up in foster care). Maybe (safety) Damar (Hamlin).â€
What say you, Dion?
“I think everyone,†Dawkins said. “(McDermott) preaches personality, and he allows guys to show their personality every day. I can’t wait for the cameras to get some more (time) on the big boys (of the offensive line). So many different things the world is going to see (and) how unique the (meeting) room is here in Buffalo. It will be cool.â€
I agree with Ferguson in predicting Dawkins will take a starring role. I imagine the cameras will be enamored with receiver Keon Coleman because he wore a yellow jacket and ate cookies at his April 2024 introductory press conference. Other players such as linebacker Terrel Bernard, right tackle Spencer Brown and rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston will provide different kinds of entertainment.
What I want from “Hard Knocks,†is a balance of the human stories and stuff for the hardcore Bills fan. Competition battles. Beane wearing a microphone during a preseason game. Position meetings. Conversations between Allen and his receivers. And McDermott’s opening speech of training camp.
The Bills may not have wanted to do this, but now the key is embracing it and not fighting it. This is free advertising for the Bills’ brand and their players.
Don’t be boring and wall off the camera crews, who are ultra-professional and know how to stay out of the way. Open some doors knowing that the Bills get final approval on each episode.
An NFL Films crew for the “Hard Knocks†series shoots Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory, left, and tackle La’el Collins with their families after practice at the team’s training camp in Oxnard, Calif., in 2021.
Quick kicks
1. Training camp update. The Bills signed their usual one-year deal to hold training camp at St. John Fisher in Pittsford this summer. Chief operating officer Pete Guelli told The Buffalo News that the Bills and St. John Fisher are “still in discussion†about a multiyear agreement.
“We’re talking through what a multiyear relationship would look like,†Guelli said.
2. Tush push survives. An easy question for McDermott when he meets with reporters Tuesday before the first organized team activity workout: “Sean, you are opposed to that type of quarterback sneak play because of player safety concerns. Because it is still allowed, will you permit that play to still be used?†From 2018-23, Allen was successful on sneak plays without the aid of a push. It was stunning that commissioner Roger Goodell couldn’t corral 24 votes to ban the play. He got 22, which tells me he’ll try again next year.
3. Irsay’s legacy. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died Wednesday at age 65 and he should be remembered as one of the NFL’s genuine characters of the last half-century. He loved the city of Indianapolis (and the residents loved him back) and was respected by his eventual Pro Football Hall of Fame players. He was the Colts general manager from 1984-96, starting the job at age 24. And the Colts won 10 division titles and went 1-1 in the Super Bowl. Irsay’s greatest non-Colts impact was recognized by Washington Commanders fans. In 2022, he became the first owner to say Dan Snyder should be forced to sell the Commanders.
