We are finally at the point of the year where HBO’s Hard Knocks makes its exciting return, which really makes it feel like NFL football is back. Every season, Hard Knocks gives fans an inside look at an up-and-coming team’s training camp.
This year, the 2022 Hard Knocks will be following the Detroit Lions. With coach Dan Campbell and running back Jamaal Williams already being electric whenever they are on camera, this is one of the most highly-anticipated Hard Knocks seasons ever.
When Does Hard Knocks Start 2022?
Hard Knocks 2022 with the Detroit Lions will officially begin on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Of course, the show will air on HBO, and it begins at 10 p.m. ET. Hard Knocks will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
- Episode 1: Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. ET
- Episode 2: Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 10 p.m. ET
- Episode 3: Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 10 p.m. ET
- Episode 4: Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. ET
- Episode 5: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 10 p.m. ET
Notable Hard Knocks Lions Storylines to Watch
Dan Campbell
Simply, the storyline is Dan Campbell. The man is an enigma. He will clearly steal the spotlight and likely our hearts. The team has embodied the scrappy, lovable underdog attitude of their coach, and it will be on full display all season long. Make sure to keep a “grit” counter as you watch along.
Jameson Williams Injury Update
The Detroit Lions selected wide receiver Jameson Williams 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Coming off knee surgery, Williams is still on the PUP list. The rookie receiver thought he could be ready to practice at the beginning of training camp, but the Lions are taking it slow. We need to see a Jameson Williams injury update during Hard Knocks. When will Williams be ready to practice?
Can Jared Goff Be Competent Enough to Compete?
On paper, this Detroit Lions offense garners optimism. They have one of the best offensive line units in the NFL, they have a strong backfield of D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Wiliams, and their receiving corps looks strong, featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, DJ Chark and T.J. Hockenson.
Can Jared Goff simply not suck? The quarterback threw the ball away on fourth down twice last season. If he doesn’t actively lose the Lions games, they could shock people this season. How will he look during Hard Knocks 2022?
Can Aidan Hutchinson Spark This Defense?
Widely viewed as the top overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Lions were able to select the Michigan star second overall. Can Aidan Hutchinson give the Lions’ defense the spark it desperately needs? With three offensive lines that can be exploited on the edge in the division, Hutchinson has a chance to be very disruptive this season. What will he look like on Hard Knocks? How will Hutchinson look when he goes head-to-head with Penei Sewell?
Hard Knocks Seasons
- Baltimore Ravens – 2001
- Dallas Cowboys – 2002, 2008, 2021
- Kansas City Chiefs – 2007 (narrated by Paul Rudd)
- Cincinnati Bengals – 2009, 2013
- New York Jets – 2010
- Miami Dolphins – 2012
- Atlanta Falcons – 2014
- Houston Texans – 2015
- Los Angeles Rams – 2016, 2020
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2017
- Cleveland Browns – 2018
- Oakland Raiders – 2019
- Los Angeles Chargers – 2020
Hard Knocks also did its first in-season coverage last year with the Indianapolis Colts. They will follow the Arizona Cardinals during the season this year.