Former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck believes “Hard Knocks” could have an effect on the New York Jets
Despite the New York Jets feverishly trying to avoid starring in NFL’s “Hard Knocks” series, it seems that the inevitable will happen. The microscope is zoomed in just a little more for the team that traded for Aaron Rodgers this offseason – and that spotlight could potentially have an effect on the team this year.
Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck discussed the Jets being on “Hard Knocks” and his own experience on the show. While the former Giants signal caller doesn’t predict a negative scenario for the team, he does think there could be an effect on some players – and some interesting storylines.
“I definitely think it can affect a team,” replied Hasselbeck when asked if the show could cause distractions to a team. “People can say whatever they want. Everyone is fully aware of the cameras. Fully aware of them … Football players come across as ‘tough guys’ or whatever, but man, guys are sensitive. So the minute they hear a conversation that isn’t complimentary – guys catch feelings fast.”
With so many storylines surrounding the Jets – most glaringly the addition of Rodgers – Hasselbeck was asked what ‘Hard Knocks’ should focus on when they visit the Jets this offseason.
“Things you want to focus on, if it were me, like how people are responding to Aaron.” Hasselbeck continued, “What Aaron’s interaction is with young players. How they respond to him if he yells at them. Things of that nature … I’d be shocked if you get a lot of access to Aaron, so it’s going to be everybody around him.”
Meanwhile, Dan Patrick believes that “Hard Knocks” should instead turn the focus on Zach Wilson – specifically his relationship with Rodgers and learning from the four-time NFL MVP. Hasselbeck agreed and believed it would be a benefit for Wilson, too.
“I think it’s a great idea. And honestly, just because it’s access that other people want to get, it would tell the rest of the league a lot about Zach Wilson,” stated Hasselbeck. “So if his future is not with the Jets – how Zach handles, interacts, absorbs, everything. I think if I were somewhere else, it would give me a lot of information as to whether or not I would let him try to revive his career.”
When asked for potential reasons the Jets could have a bad season, Hasselbeck gave an interesting answer.
“I think that when there’s change, there will be a likelihood of some type of growing pain … The Jets haven’t been the biggest game on the schedule for everybody. When they play New England, it’s gonna be ‘Hey, the greatest coach versus Aaron Rodgers’. And then when they play Buffalo they’ll say Josh Allen-Aaron Rodgers.”
Hasselbeck continued, “Every game on their schedule, the volume in terms of how [the NFL] make the game that week is going to be significant. What’s the emotional stamina that that team has? They haven’t gone through it, with a lot of young players [on the team]. To be up, to be the hunted every single week. Because Aaron Rodgers is your quarterback it’s going to feel like the biggest game of the weekend.”
