After months of anticipation, HBO finally released episode one of Hard Knocks. Of course, this wasn’t your regular version of the show. This was the first off-season edition of the franchise. The New York Giants were selected as the featured team.
Episode one was an absolute treat. Here are some takeaways from it.
Saquon Barkley Was Mentioned… A Lot.
No surprise here. After all, he was the driving force of the Giants’ offense ever since his arrival in 2018.
But, the running back is now a Philadelphia Eagle after leaving in free agency.
Right off the bat, the episode began with GM Joe Schoen talking with his staff about the former Penn State product. He explained that the right thing to do was to let him test the market and see where things would fall from there.
Later, Schoen was seen discussing with co-owner John Mara about not franchise-tagging Barkley. He explained that not only was it a good idea, but he did not want to disrespect the star player.
It was clear that Mara was a bit unhappy after hearing that.
John Mara REALLY didn’t want to let Saquon Barkley go.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) July 3, 2024
I don’t think Joe Schoen ever saw the Eagles coming in with their offer to him in free agency… but he definitely had Devin Singletary pegged all along as a Saquon replacement. pic.twitter.com/c30WjT3X87
In the end, Schoen and the rest of the front office agreed that franchise and even trading Barkley was unrealistic, and letting him become a free agent was the best idea. There was discussion, one led by pro scout Chris Rossetti, about the likelihood that teams would pay Barkley top dollar.
The Eagles overpaid Saquon 😂😂😂
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) July 3, 2024
pic.twitter.com/UL6lWj7xdf
New York knew there were many running backs in free agency to replace their top back. After the stress that Schoen and management had to go through last season with Barkley just to not end up with a new deal, this was for the best.
My favorite clip during Hard Knocks with the Giants.
— awthentik (@awthentik) July 3, 2024
I can not wait for the next episode! #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/d5pMgffP4I
Players New York Were Looking At
There were two scenes where management were looking at different players in free agency that could make a difference on the team. Schoen and Co. explored the various options at running backs on the market.
A few players that were surprising to hear include D’Andre Swift and Josh Jacobs. Starting with the former, who played for the Eagles in 2023. The Giants saw him as a solid explsove black who can contribute in the passing game. Identified as a “package player” by Rossetti, he was an option New York looked at.
Another player mentioned was Josh Jacobs. The leading rusher in 2022, Rossetti discussed with the rest of the offense about his inconsistency in 2023 that led to the team not pursuing him as a replacement.
Other backs included Tony Pollard (price reasons) and Zach Moss. But, the key player to note was Devin Singletary, who New York eventually signed and identified as a “decisive” back.
Defensively, a few players that the team discussed were very eye-popping. One was Chris Jones. Despite the fact that it would have had a $35 million cap hit, New York knew him alongside Dexter Lawrence would be dangerous. DT Chrisitian Wilkins was also mentioned. Close to Lawrence from their days at Clemson University, New York didn’t see him as a pass-rushing threat that they wanted. Finally, there was Brian Burns. We knows what happens with him.
Introduction to Shane Bowen
We were introduced to the hiring of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Head coach Brian Daboll is seen with Joe Schoen discussing his reasoning behind choosing him as part of his staff, including his ability to have solid run defensive units.
Later, Bowen is seen discussing with managements and scouts about his defensive philosophy and types of players he want for his unit. A penetrator inside along with four elite pass rushers was what the former Titans coordinator wanted for his defense.
This is an awesome clip from Hard Knocks.
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 28, 2024
Shane Bowen talks about the Giants defense.pic.twitter.com/aYCJzBcloF
Are Basham and/or Anderson great options? No. But, then again, this is all just a little foreshadowing for what New York does later.
Other Quick Notes
- Panthers GM Dan Morgan and Schoen were discussing trading for Brian Burns, with the conversation starting with two first-round picks.
- We get a first look into Daniel Jones and his recovery from an ACL injury
- Brandon Brown is an integral piece of this show. Not surprising, considering he is the assistant GM but.
- You don’t pay a quarterback $40 million to just hand the ball off. Tell ’em, Joe Schoen.
- Next episode is going to be interesting, as we will get a look into the draft process.
Joe Schoen on Hard Knocks:
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) July 3, 2024
"Malik Nabers. Be there. Please!"
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Featured Image: HBO
