Hard Knocks Pegs the Dolphins

Added on May 29, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

It took HBO a while to find a team willing to appear on this summer’s edition of Hard Knocks. but now the search is over. After flirting with teams like the Jets, Redskins and Seahawks, the pay cable network has selected the Miami Dolphins to star in the series seventh season. The acclaimed reality show took last year off due to the ongoing labor strife that extended into August before being resolved,

Head coach Joe Philbin made the announcement at a press conference earlier today. Philbin called it a “football decision” and called it a “chance for us to show a new identity.” In other words, draw attention to a franchise in desperate need of a public makeover.

After a series of controversial offseason misfires, like missing out on Peyton Manning and passing on Matt Flynn, Miami tapped Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first round of April’s draft. The anticipated quarterback battle between the rookie, 2011 starter Matt Moore and free agent acquisition David Garrard will be a central storyline to follow once training camp opens.

Reggie Bush brings name recognition, especially since he’s coming off the most productive season of his career. Too bad he isn’t still dating Kim Kardashian, because HBO could’ve gotten some serious mileage out of her, ahem, assets. Although there’s always a chance they get back together to take advantage of the situation. Kim is nothing if not media savvy.

Maybe the series will help propel the Dolphins into a playoff campaign as it did for the Jets in 2010 and the Bengals in 2009. Or it could backfire as it did with Dallas in 2008 and Kansas City in 2007. Regardless, the extra attention should provide a much needed boost in national interest to a team that has one postseason appearance since 2002.

Hard Knocks will debut on August 7th and run for five episodes.

Source: NFL.com