The third episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” has wrapped up, and it was arguably the most jam-packed episode so far. Here are our four biggest takeaways from the episode. WARNING: There are spoilers below.
1. Antonio Brown isn’t giving up his helmet fight
The biggest storyline in the third episode of “Hard Knocks” involved, of course, Antonio Brown and his helmet dispute. Brown spent most of the episode talking about his helmet and his return to the field. However, whenever things seemed to calm down on the news front, Brown would disappear from practice for long stretches.
What is crystal clear from this episode is that the helmet issue is important to Brown. He seems dead-set on fighting the league to be able to wear a similar helmet to the one that he wore from 2010 o 2018. Expect this to be another theme in the fourth episode next week.
2. Darren Waller’s journey
While Brown’s storyline dominated the show, HBO also focused on Waller. Oakland’s new tight end is making the transition from receiver, but he also revealed that he is doing his best to keep clean off the field. Waller was suspended for the entire 2017 season due to substance abuse, but he is now two years clean since the suspension.
On the field, Waller is looking to become more of a complete player. During the second week of the preseason, Waller displayed his skills as a blocker. We already know that he is athletic, but if he can be functional in-line as a blocker, nothing is stopping him from becoming one of the better tight ends in football.
3. Hunter Renfrow doesn’t mind people doubting him
For obvious reasons, fifth-round pick Renfrow seems to be the butt of many jokes in training camp for the Raiders. However, one thing that isn’t being laughed at is his performance on the field.
HBO followed Renfrow during this episode, showing highlights from his college playing days as well as during Raiders practice. Against the Cardinals, Renfrow made several plays to move the chains for the Raiders offense.
While many people have underestimated Renfrow’s ability to play the game of football, he seemingly enjoys the hate and jokes played by his coaches and teammates. All it does is provide him more motivation to become one of the best slot receivers in the league.
4. Jon Gruden LOVES Brown
The single biggest takeaway from the third episode of the show is Jon Gruden’s love and support for Brown. All episode long, Gruden praised his star receiver, offering words of encouragement to Brown. While things may appear to be somewhat shakey with the front office and Brown, that can’t be said for the coaching staff.
Once Brown gets the helmet issue squared away, all systems should be good to go for this duo. Gruden seems genuinely excited to use his new toy in his offense, and Brown appears thrilled to have him as a coach. For all that’s been said over the last several weeks, Gruden and Brown seem to be on the same page.
