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Bob McNair Wants The Texans On HBO Hard Knocks? Give Me a Break...

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By now, everyone has heard that team owner Bob McNair has been in touch with NFL Films to lobby for your Houston Texans to be the featured team on HBO's critically acclaimed series Hard Knocks.

My initial reaction to hearing this was intrigue. To any who have watched the series, it would certainly be must-see TV. Hard Knocks chronicles a team with a behind the scenes look during training camp and some of its more "unique" characters. What Texans fan wouldn't be interested in seeing that?

But that is just the thing about it. Who outside of Houston would care to watch it?

Don't get me wrong, I love this team and all, and I love the fact that there aren't a bunch of thugs, criminals and knuckleheads on the roster. But, again, if you've seen Hard Knocks before, you know that is what makes the show great:  Knuckleheads.

If Houston was on the show, it would receive the lowest ratings it has ever gotten. And let's not confuse things, ratings and money are what it's all about. I mean, how else would you explain Duke getting in the softest bracket in this year's NCAA tournament? Or the L.A. Lakers getting about half of their games on national TV? Or the Yankees vs. Red Sox being shoved down our throats every couple of weeks? Ratings. But, I digress.

There isn't one story on this team that would be considered "dramatic." That just doesn't make for good TV. No one wants to watch a series like Hard Knocks on a team as vanilla as the Texans. Except for people in Houston or Texans fans living outside of Houston.

The fact that Houston is up against the New York Jets for the rights to this year's feature doesn't bode well for McNair. Who do you think Hard Knocks would want to feature? The team with a "silent superstar" and a quarterback whose name most people can't even pronounce correctly , or the team with a coach who goes to MMA events and flips the bird to opposing teams fans?

Like it or not, things like Rex Ryan and New York are what draws in the most national viewers, and that is the way HBO will and should go.

"I've let NFL Films know we're interested, and perhaps this will be the year," McNair said of the request. "I've discussed it with Gary and Rick to let them know how I feel about it. I think it's time for the Texans to get more national exposure. We have some outstanding players. This would be a chance to showcase our players as well as an opportunity to increase our fan base."

Winning games will get you more national exposure, Bob. Doing better than 1-5 in your division will get you more exposure. Making the freaking playoffs will get you more exposure...not an HBO show.

Comment 28 comments  |  1 recs  | 

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Any team is worth watching

I agree that the Jets have the edge with their fat coach, but any team is interesting. For the casual fan, watching the underdog trying to make the team is where the real drama is. Who cared about the Chiefs or the Bengals when they started?

by jxjx on Mar 18, 2010 9:30 AM CDT reply actions  

Who cared about the Chiefs or the Bengals when they started?

Let’s see. ..

The Chiefs had a QB battle (Huard vs. Croyle), Larry Johnson’s contract holdout, Priest Holmes making a comeback from an injury that everyone said would end his career, and several position battles.

The Bengals had Carson Palmer coming back from injuries, Andre Smith’s contract holdout, and let’s not forget about Chad Ocho Cinco.

We have nothing going into 2010 like this. Our QB is set in stone, no matter how much of a space cadet Jacoby Jones can be, he isn’t Ocho Cinco and no one would care if who we draft 20th this year holds out.

by Mike Kerns on Mar 18, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

True about all of that...

But I dont really think people who watched cared about Andre Smith’s holding out. That was the most boring part of the show for me.

What the Texans do have is Bernard Pollard who knocks the piss out of people, a couple soft spoken superstars in Mario and Andre (but thats because they dont find the media, if the media was following them in practices I bet they would surprise people with their personalities), a RB position battle, a CB position battle, DeMeco and Cush, a K position battle and OL position battles…thats a lot of interesting story lines.

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Mar 18, 2010 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

I pretty much agree with you

I’d rather the Texans focused on football and not the media. Also, the longer they stay under the radar the better, imo.

And that promo pic gives me the creeps.

I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.

by tehGrindCrusher on Mar 18, 2010 9:30 AM CDT reply actions  

Who is to say that the cameras don't help the focus?

If you’re screwing around then there’s no where to hide when its on camera. The Bengals often credit Hard Knocks for uniting their team last year.

The story’s compelling: Can they finally get to the playoffs? Can they finally make good on all that talent?

by TexansDC on Mar 18, 2010 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

i disagree.

i think the fact that we ARE a vanilla team will make people want to watch. and less we forget, we have some MAJOR characters on our team. eric winston is hilarious, as is david anderson, and jacoby. i hope we do get it.

Michael Scott: Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not a part of our family. Also, he's divorced, so he's really not a part of his family.

http://www.twitter.com/doobieman21

by chrisd21 on Mar 18, 2010 9:35 AM CDT reply actions  

In one way, I do agree with you Chris

In talking with other teams writers each week on my Fanball site, the main question I get is: “With all the talent compiled in Houston, how the hell have you guys not made the playoffs yet?” They all think pretty highly of us (except Titans fans. Fuck ’em) and may want to watch just to see why we constantly underachieve here.

by Mike Kerns on Mar 18, 2010 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

I hate the fact that

people think the Texans are underachieving. Yes, we do have plenty of talent. But what people dont see are the glaring holes in key position like CB and DT and OG.

by Jordann on Mar 18, 2010 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm bfd

And I approve this message.

Let’s leave the histrionics to the Cowgurrrrrls.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com

by bigfatdrunk on Mar 18, 2010 9:41 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

I know we should be on HBO

Why you ask well lets start with houston is the 4th largest city alone and that builds for alot of texans fans. Let me say that again the 4th largest city , and i know one of your smartasses going to say well ney york is a lager city too true but it’s new york and who cares. I tell you what we do have something to look forward too we still have not sign demeco or owen so they could holdout so that might mak for TV, now i hope it does not happen cause everybody should be on the field.

by southpaw70 on Mar 18, 2010 9:45 AM CDT reply actions  

about that.. Owens Rehab could be great to follow from the inside.. he’s struggle to get back in shape etc.. and the Runningback battle between the rookie, slaton and foster and the usual practise squad potential players who are on the fringe. John David Booty fx..

Die hard Texan fan from the heart of Denmark!

by zala on Mar 18, 2010 9:48 AM CDT reply actions  

and James Caseys development! – He already had this “Hey Rookie” thing last season.. maybe he’s a guy TV people love.

Die hard Texan fan from the heart of Denmark!

by zala on Mar 18, 2010 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

What about

Kris Brown tries to find his leg or get the boot. Milk some ratings out of the kicker at least if we can’t get a clutch kick

by sammocyr on Mar 19, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

this isn't even a debate

Rex Ryan >> Gary Kubiak

at least in terms of charisma.

If only to prove the KSK parody right/wrong. (“how the fuck ya doin’ boys?!?!”)

by grungedave on Mar 18, 2010 9:49 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

i think this would be great for us

if you dont think people would want to watch the texans on here you are higher than giraffe pussy!!!

everyone know about the jets and rex ryan, hell i love the guy, he is fucking hilarious. BUT

not many people know shit about the texans. i think this is very intriguing for your average football fan. you have JJ, DA, EW, cushing and his mma stuff, pollard, Demeco and OD contract issues, slaton trying to make a comeback, antonio smith, mario, and maybe even the opening up of andre!!

i think people would eat this up, because it would be unexpected and NEW.

bad publicity is still publicity, and i think this is the perfect season to be on this show for us.

at the very least wouldnt you love the extra UNCENSORED coverage we would get, and have people buzzing about the team and jumping on the bandwagon.

this would be great and i hope it happens!

"Its like a silk bag filled with puppy ears"

by Allen-OU on Mar 18, 2010 11:15 AM CDT reply actions  

Spoken like a true homer

But to say that The Texans would outdraw ANYTHING New York related on a national level is a bold statement.

by Mike Kerns on Mar 18, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

If nothing else...

every episode could have Cromartie meeting a new baby mama.

by TexansDC on Mar 18, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

and your right the jets would outdraw the texans, but i think youd be surprised how many people would be tuned in

i mean all of us would watch the show no matter who the team was….right??? so its hard for me to see why its a bad idea….. i vote for the raiders or bears though personally

"Its like a silk bag filled with puppy ears"

by Allen-OU on Mar 18, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

not outdraw, but be something new

everyone has had new york crammed up there ass everyday of the week.

i think knowledgable football fans, as in ones who dont think mittens is still our QB, would be very intrigued to see something NEW.

i mean we have all seen the pats, jets, cowboys….

but a team like the texans is something new and different, and people dont know anything about us.

i totally disagree with your take, and i only write my opinion because i respect your work. its fun to disagree broham!!

i also get your side of it to, and if it truly would be a distraction, then i would come on your side of the fence…

i think this could be the best thing to happen to the franchise, especially if a playoff birth were to follow. kubiak has enough control not to let something like this be a distraction, right. i mean am i way off base here???

"Its like a silk bag filled with puppy ears"

by Allen-OU on Mar 18, 2010 12:41 PM CDT reply actions  

No, I see where you're coming from

And I’m not against the team getting the spot. I do think it’s kind of dumb that McNair is lobbying for it though. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but on the radio yesterday I heard Charlie Palillo say that NFL Films approached the Texans about doing the show last year and they turned it down saying it was just “not the right time.” And Gary Kubiak was VERY against it. But now McNair is all over it? I don’t get what’s changed.

Look, I’d love to have them on Hard Knocks. But I am a Texans fan…which was my original point.

by Mike Kerns on Mar 18, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

i hear you

for sure i agree the mcnair lobbying is ridiculous, but i cant blame the guy. trying to get some national exposure. i get it.

if the show helps….im for it. if it is a distracion and is something that HURTS the team in any way on the field, its not worth it,

i heard charlie say that too, and was wondering the same thing. if true this is very strange. maybe because he thought his job was on the line he was against it.

i honetly just want it for the quotes from DA and jacoby. it would be fucking great for all of us on battle red blog.

i tend to agree with you it aint happening, but the fact its even been talked about is pretty cool to me. we are making headway in the league

"Its like a silk bag filled with puppy ears"

by Allen-OU on Mar 18, 2010 1:05 PM CDT reply actions  

This Just In!

Texans sign T.O. and also sign up for Hard Knocks in a huge, out-of-character power play move! Texans’ owner Bob McNair is lauded for his derring-do…

Psyche!

I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?

by Rip Jersey on Mar 18, 2010 2:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

The thing that angers me most about this

Is the fact that McNair said we werent ready to be on the show last season, but now we are. What really changed between then and now to make us ready for the publicity? Did one winning season make Bob think that this team in invincible or does he just have more confidence in Kubes’ ability to control the team.

I wouldnt be surprised if they choose us because they asked us last year and Bob thought we werent ready. If he is lobbying, and they already wanted us, I can see it happening and I think it would be good for the team to get some exposure and the confidence that people actually do want to see us.

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Mar 18, 2010 10:24 PM CDT reply actions  

what changed?

we got rid of Dunta and Sexy Rexy?

Maybe McNair didn’t want Dunta to get all this whining in about how he was “promised” that they wouldn’t franchise him and then they franchised him anyway.

Maybe McNair thinks we cleaned house and can have company over now?

I love the Texans but I bet the show will consider the Jets way more interesting.
Doesn’t really matter to me. HBO isn’t in my budget. Having the Texans on there wouldn’t change that.

I’m just looking forward to our team of classy guys to make it to the playoffs and beyond I think we can do it! I want the nice guys to win for once =).

by BattleRedFan on Mar 19, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

I am for Hard Knocks with the Texans

Pollard is a Hard Knocks star already

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23PFEUi1fdA&feature=related

He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is

by WarWolf on Mar 22, 2010 2:09 PM CDT reply actions  

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