After last week’s episode of ‘Hard Knocks’ ended in an all-out brawl between the Texans and Redskins, the anticipation for the second episode resembled that of a high school after a cafeteria fight where students wonder what happens next until either additional fights develop or tension hangs over students until dismissal. The confrontation did not result from a full scrimmage or preseason matchup, leading viewers to possibly wonder if these heated behaviors would create more explosive situations back in Houston.
For those wondering if Head Coach Bill O’Brien’s foul language and intensity would wane, the first minute did not disappoint as he chastised players during halftime of a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. He addressed costly penalties and pivotal mistakes in 3rd downs and goal line situations saying, “I’m giving you a dose of reality…I don’t care who’s in the game. I’m not going out there in the 2nd half and watching a bunch of (B.S.)!” This intensity cleaned up numerous problems that were part of camp and the episode showcased the progression from these struggles to in-game situations that culminated in positive results.
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The Texans won the game 23-10 on Saturday, August 15 but there was much in the way of hard work and more effective communication needed to get them to that point, and cameras documented all of the trials to get there. The audience also had the opportunity to track rookies and veterans’ journey through training camp, from moments at home with the family to discussions with coaching staff regarding mentality and focus, a distinct change from last week’s variety of descriptions and brief player clips.
There was a broad contrast between veterans and rookies, much like preseason games in that the focus remained on those trying to prove themselves for the coaching staff, with limited play and in-game expectations for the veterans. Rookies had full contact practice while Narrator Liev Schreiber said the veterans “have it made,” and the ensuing conversation between JJ Watt and Vince Wilfork literally consisted of the players’ love for brunch and breakfast. Meanwhile, linebacker Brian Cushing talked about drinking lattes at one time until he realized he “wasn’t a chick.” Cushing had more camera time than JJ Watt or anyone else this week, but this provided insight into his strong personality on the field yet dedicated family man off of it.
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Cushing was characterized as having no filter and beyond off-color latte comments, this tenacious attitude showed in practices and even translated to his child in a quite unique situation. After runningback Alfred Blue pushed him back and ran past him in practice, he called him out to run again, and in that instance, drove him face first into the makeshift lineman with an energetic reaction to celebrate.
As for his role as a parent, he described himself as laid back and his wife Megan pointed out that people have this idea of him as a maniac, and a clip played of him headbutting another player, but he lacked a helmet while the other player did not.
The Cushing’s recount a story of how their child was age one and carried a helicopter toy, but fell head first into a coffee table, requiring five stitches, and one could compare that to Cushing’s experiences and toughness on the field. It can be surprising to see the linebacker nearly coming to blows with players and calling his own teammates out, yet see him greet his neighbors and glide down the street on an apparatus while pushing his children in strollers, resembling the undercover cop or action star that lives in the neighborhood. Other veteran players are held in high esteem with the coaching staff and had a bit of leisure time to splurge and shop for unexpected items.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and two veteran defenders had a scene similar to a Real Housewives show where the conversation revolved around the utility of lavish purchases, including purses/carry-alls. One could understand a burly, tough football star shopping for little girls’ clothing to help their daughters; however, Hopkins picks up a European bag akin to a Friends episode where Joey attempted to convince his cohorts that he had a European carry-all rather than a purse, and in a similar vein, the players respectfully gave their opinions. Wide receiver Cecil Shorts III joked that he would not judge him if he had a Yorkie dog but would know that he was high maintenance, while another unidentified teammate said he would be sure to delete his phone number. The veterans joked and had fun at times but O’Brien did not discriminate in terms of criticizing players.
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Watt had a somewhat heated exchange with the head coach after Blue and others gained consistent offensive yardage in practice, and this set a precedent for a strong work ethic to come from all involved. Watt said, “What did the Redskins gain, like three yards on us on day three?” O’Brien retorted, “How many yards did they gain on day 2? What film are you watching? There’s too much smoke being blown up your asses!” Watt disagreed with O’Brien but showed tenacity and a greater amount of force in stopping the run during practice, allowing few yards after the venting session with the coach. Overall, O’Brien ditched the foul language on a regular basis in favor of rapport with players and emphasis of better communication on and off the field.
This emphasis started in reference to the media and eliciting players’ responses to controversial issues but translated to improved communication on the field against San Francisco. After being asked about Geno Smith’s altercation with a teammate that led to Smith breaking his jaw, O’Brien deflected the question and spoke to his players with emphasis about not commenting on these type of questions. His approach could be compared to New England Head Coach Bill Belichick as he gave non-sequitur, rehearsed responses that players could use for controversial questions, such as “I’m trying to be a good teammate” and “I’m working hard.” The Texans wanted to avoid distractions, as evidenced by O’Brien’s approach to practice.
O’Brien eliminated music from practice and told the coaches to communicate plays to see what the players know as part of the evaluation process, planning to cut those that do not get the calls. (This was only after he delivered on an earlier promise and piped Rick Ross’ “Hustlin” over the speakers, even adding a dance to the song that resembled the “I’m a Little Teapot” more than anything else). Linebackers Coach Mike Vrabel pulled players from practice plays that did not understand commands such as “ram left” and would not let them participate in subsequent plays, but O’Brien caused players to get heated about communication and some veterans informed rookies that a lag in communication would lead to cuts later.
Ultimately though, communication cost the Texans in the first game and the on-field product struggled until O’Brien’s halftime speech.
Heading into halftime, the 49ers led 10-8 amid a flurry of failed goal line runs, miscued third downs, and mental errors, which O’Brien addressed and partially corrected at the half. Quarterback Ryan Mallett hesitated on a 3rd and 3 play which tipped the defense to a quarterback sneak play and resulted in a 4th down, the team failed to run the ball in to score from 5 yards out seven different times, and celebrated after the ball was spotted within the 5-yard line leading even keeled narrator Schreiber to deliver a hilarious line with gravitas: “The Texans do the NeNe as their touchdown celebration, but that’s a no-no until you’ve actually scored.”
O’Brien told the individuals that they have to stop thinking so much and go play football, which led to significant improvements in the second half, a defense allowing no points, and 15 points scored for Houston to end the game. After the win, knowing that Jadeveon Clowney will soon return, improved communication won the game, and increasing confidence in veterans and rookies, O’Brien said that the team just has to focus on getting better. The Texans went from being a cafeteria fight-addled team to a focused attack with solid cooperative effort on both sides of the ball, so while the attitudes and heat waned in the players, that focus will be crucial when they take on the Denver Broncos in a game that quarterback Peyton Manning will likely play most of.