The biggest story of the week was Antonio Brown, and we had to wonder whether “Hard Knocks” would address the helmet issues Brown recently went through. That kind of happened, but didn’t really. The show mentioned the helmet issue but we didn’t get to see Brown’s reactions. We didn’t get to see the reported fake helmet. There wasn’t any real response from the Raiders, either. It was what could be expected. We also saw the Raiders take on the Rams in practice and in a preseason game, and we even got a few new entrants to the power rankings. Last week’s episode was dominated by Johnathan Abram. He fell a bit and the favorite returned to take his throne atop the weekly list.
1. Jon Gruden
Last Week: 2
Gruden was back in a big way. The coach was the star of the episode. He had a great speech to open up the episode. He dropped a lot of “mans” but not enough “guys” for my liking. It’s obvious that the Raiders are Gruden. He is their personality at this point. It was nice to have a Gruden flashback with a young Sean McVay and then to see them interact in their current situations. Gruden may not give up this spot the rest of the season.
2. Nathan Peterman
Last Week: Unranked
We got to see Peterman in practice and had the flashback of his five interceptions in a half performance. Peterman got his redemption though . . . at least when it comes to “Hard Knocks.” Peterman’s 50-yard run in the preseason game got top billing in the game highlights and some slow-motion treatment.
3. Derek Carr
Last Week: 5
Carr is going to be highly ranked based on volume alone. His content isn’t that great but it’s obvious HBO is trying to make him a focus of the show. There’s not much else to say about Carr other than he’s there. The best ability is availability.
4. Max Crosby
Last Week: Unranked
Crosby serenaded the team with T-Pain and that was our introduction to the rookie fourth-round pick with personality. He also got some ink on his arm, but that wasn’t the only extremity that Crosby got attention for. He broke his hand early against the Rams and came back in to play in the preseason game in a cast. We should expect more Crosby if he isn’t stuck offscreen due to his hand injury.
5. Brentson Buckner
Last Week: Unranked
Buckner is the only other coach who gets any attention. He has a way with words. It helps that HBO is focusing on rookie Clelin Ferrell which means any teachable moments put the defensive line coach in the spotlight. Buckner probably should have been on the list last week.
6. Jonathan Abram
Last Week: 1
Abram may have been the star last week but this week he was more of a supporting cast member. He did talk about Aaron Donald being smaller than he thought. Abram’s other major appearance was with the real No. 24 Charles Woodson.
7. Kellan Doss
Last Week: Unranked
The local Alameda kid is now with the Raiders. We have our fringe roster player who fans connect with and then the player gets cut on the last episode. Doss is going to have a tough time making the team. He may end up on the practice squad. It was great to see him make a touchdown catch in the preseason game.
8. Antonio Brown
Last Week: 3
We already know everything that’s going on with Brown and any clips or shots of Brown were from last week. We know he has foot issues. We know he’s not at camp. Everything we heard about Brown was coming from Gruden during interviews. This is kind of the problem with “Hard Knocks.” We know things before they air on the show.
8. Richie Incognito
Last Week: 4
Incognito only made an appearance during the joint practice session. He wisely said he wasn’t getting into any training camp fights. That’s the smart move . . . and slightly unexpected from the Raiders best interior lineman.
9. Brent Musburger
Last Week: Not Ranked
This was a great reminder that Musburger is now the Raiders radio play by play guy. That’s a huge treat as Musburger is one of the best announcers in the business. Saturdays haven’t been the same since Musburger stepped down to move to Las Vegas and now call Raiders games.
Out of the rankings: Clelin Ferrell, Mark Davis, Guy Fieri
