Seattle Seahawks fans knew episode 4 of HBO’s Hard Knocks wouldn't be an easy watch. Seattle lost three important players to what appear to be season-ending injuries during the past week. None were starters, but all figured to have important roles to play this year. And given the nature of the program, with its cameras seemingly everywhere, fans could expect to see some intimate footage.
There were also moments in episode 4 designed to lighten the mood. They served as counterpoints to the more emotionally draining scenes.
And in the end, the message from coach Mike Macdonald was the same as it has been throughout camp. We keep moving forward as a team. No matter what happens, good or bad, the Seahawks will always be focused on the next step in their journey to defend the NFL title.
Seattle Seahawks deal with injuries and the impending roster deadline in Hard Knocks episode 4
This week featured the first joint practices with another team. Seattle traveled to Tennessee to practice with – and then play – the Titans. The game itself was the least interesting part of the program, largely because most fans would have already watched it. But there was a lot of behind-the-scenes material – some delightful, some devastating.
We got several fascinating glimpses of how Macdonald, his coaches, and staff are all dedicated to the process early in the episode.
From all the assistants harping on getting calls in efficiently, getting in and out of huddles, and being ready for the next play to assistant performance dietitian Samantha Clark giving extensive notes on staying properly fueled and hydrated, the organization strives to make sure everything runs at peak efficiency.
On the other hand, general manager John Schneider seems to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to get colleagues to identify the 1980s movie Three Amigos. So take the attention to process as you will.
In a way, episode 4 was all about the seesaw between joy and pain that seems to accompany every training camp.
Joy – Fatherhood
When we last saw fullback Brady Russell, he was leaving the first preseason game at halftime to be with his wife as she delivered their first child. We learned this week that the baby’s name is Hadley and that Russell’s wife was in labor for 30 hours. (Maybe this shouldn’t be under the “Joy” heading.)
Still, Russell seemed delighted by fatherhood, as did rookie Bud Clark, who put his young son through some drills during some practice downtime.
Pain – Injury 1
The episode opened with wide receiver coach Frisman Jackson pumping up Jake Bobo, the reserve receiver and special teams ace. Jackson encouraged Bobo to regain his status as the team’s pit bull – or Draymond Green, if you prefer a basketball metaphor. Bobo seemed all too eager to comply with his coach’s instruction.
But we knew the injury was coming, and the camera caught it as it happened. Bobo went down in practice, and everyone knew very quickly that the prognosis was not good.
Joy – Now we know why Schneider was harping on Three Amigos
The Seahawks were in Nashville, and when you’re in Nashville, you buy boots or you buy hats. The Seahawks three quarterbacks chose the hats. Therefore, we got to see a little shopping excursion in which Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Jalen Milroe got fitted for custom cowboy hats.
Hopefully, we’ll get a good look at Darnold’s bedazzled version with the number “14” in green at some point this season.
PAIN – Macdonald's heartfelt farewell
Mike Macdonald spent some time during a team meeting talking about his friend O.J. Brigance, who died last week after a long struggle with ALS. Brigance played seven years in the NFL as a backup and clearly was an inspiration to Macdonald as he began his career.
Macdonald choked up as he discussed his feelings for his friend. Later, at practice, Leonard Williams did what good team leaders do. He reached out to his coach expressing his support.
Joy – The rookies show their talent
One of the high points of the episode, and undoubtedly of the entire preseason, was the rookie talent show. AJ Barner set the ground rules early, requiring that rookies appear either on their own or with just one partner when they show their skills. Then we got quite a show.
Beau Stephens, who grew up in Missouri and attended school in Iowa, gave his teammates a rendition of Josh Turner’s country classic “Your Man.” Bud Clark did Rick James’ “Mary Jane.” And then Uso Seumalo brought out his guitar to accompany himself on the Bob Marley standard “No Woman, No Cry.”
Pain – Injury 2
We knew Bud Clark’s injury was coming. Again the cameras were there to record it and to get Clark’s immediate reaction. He knew right away that he had broken his ankle.
This is one of the things that Hard Knocks does extremely well. It was difficult to watch. Clark registered the physical pain of the injury as well as the emotional pain of the realization that he has likely lost his rookie season before it even begins.
We were there with him in the locker room, seeing just how tough he is in the face of this challenge. Seeing him keep his spirits up as he talks on the phone to his son was one of the most emotionally involving moments of the entire series.
Joy – Proud parents
Montorie Foster has been one of the surprise stars of this year’s camp. And he didn’t disappoint in the Titans game, making catches, making tackles, and throwing blocks.
But who knew that the real stars of the show would be his parents? Seeing them pump him up, offer unsolicited advice, and then revel in his performance during the game was a true joy. It helps that they had such engaging personalities. But even if they hadn’t, the pride they showed in their son would have been enough.
Next week, the series concludes with what promises to be an extremely emotional episode, featuring the final preseason game and cutdown day, when some dreams are born and others face a difficult reality.
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