HBO’s Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Houston Texans
Inside the mind of a Houston Texans fan, it might look something like this: J.J. Watt J.J. Watt J.J. Watt BBQ J.J. Watt skeeters J.J. Watt J.J. Watt J.J. Watt BBQ J.J. Watt.
Who can blame them? J.J. Watt is big—and his personality is even bigger.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this, to be honest,” NFL Films director Matt Dissinger said of filming Watt. “Every team has its stars, but I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like the J.J. phenomenon. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a superstar who is as engaged with his fans as he is. He’s a special guy, that’s for sure.”
But this season of Hard Knocks won’t be a one-man show.
There are a lot of questions for Houston as they get ready for the season, all of which provide interesting storylines.
Who will step up while running back Arian Foster is healing after groin surgery? And how long will he be off the field?
“Look, he’s going to miss some time, there’s no doubt about that,” Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said. He added: “One thing I want to say about Arian is I feel bad for him personally. I think he came into this offseason and he really worked extremely hard. But as a football team, it’s next man up.”
Who will take the snaps when the season begins: Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett?
Who will replace wide receiver Andre Johnson, who left for the Colts? Cecil Shorts III, Nate Washington or rookies Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery?
And has linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, last season’s No. 1 overall pick, recovered from both surgeries on his right knee?
Cornerback Charles James is also a man to watch, even though he’s not listed on the depth chart. The cameras followed the third-year pro closely during filming because of his inspiring story.
“I done been through it all,” he told the Houston Chronicle. “I have no problem starting from the bottom.”
HARD KNOCKS SCHEDULE on SLING TV
Episode 1: August 11, 10pm ET
Episode 2: August 18, 10pm ET
Episode 3: August 25, 10pm ET
Episode 4: Sept. 1, 10pm ET
Episode 5: Sept. 8, 10pm ET