'Hard Knocks: Los Angeles' Episode 1 Review: Rams, Chargers battle uncertainty and a pandemic ahead of NFL 2020
Spoilers for 'Hard Knocks: Los Angeles' Episode 1
The world as we know it is still unsure of what the new normal is. Was it when Juventus players walked in with masks before they took the field? Or was it when Formula One decided to go ahead with a ten-race season before adding a few more to the list? While these sports along with NBA, NHL's Stanley Cup and MLB are officially underway, the football season is yet to start as there is a massive cloud of uncertainty surrounding the season.
In recent news, the Big Ten scrapped the fall sports for the year which was a major blow. Last week, the NFL saw 66 players opt out of the season over growing concerns of the spread of coronavirus to which the world does not have an answer yet. 'Hard Knocks' has been a fan-favorite for its unabashed behind-the-scenes narrative of what happens in the locker room of major sports teams and this time they're back focusing on the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers as they prep for an uncertain NFL season.
Uncertainty is certainly the keyword. And while there's a set process in place in the form of extensive testing and monitoring the health of the players and staff, the virus has still managed to sideline some athletes and perhaps that is something the teams will start accepting no matter how disappointing it is. The audience has a first-hand account of how both these teams led by dynamic coaches go about their job to play football in what has been a tumultuous time for the world.
Anthony Lynn, the head coach of the Chargers tested positive for coronavirus a few months ago and he's recovered. He looks fit with muscles rippling beneath the Chargers tee and the episode opens with him interacting with his squad on a zoom call outlining their plans for the season. He admits that there is no definite answer to what lies ahead, but opines what they can do, is put their best foot forward and make the most of the season.
At the other end, the Rams have begun their training with a specific focus on lowering the infection rate. This meant following all the safety protocols of getting tested each day, social distancing, wearing a mask, and following hygiene. For Sean McVay, the Rams coach, these are the things that would help them focus better on football when they take the field. Right now, 'Hard Knocks' gives worried fans a reason to hope that the NFL season will happen and while it may be a new approach, it will still bring in the high-octane action.
The episode is broken down into perfect segments. The lives of the coaches come first for the first few minutes followed by the stringent measures taken by the NFL to make sure the players have all that they need and at the same time keep a strict vigil on their health. Both teams take their training and meeting sessions seriously and although it starts off with low intensity so as to curb injuries, they eventually gather steam as weeks go by.
However, it isn't all yay. Player contracts and the business side of football gets some screentime as the episode eventually shows the ones with fresh contracts and those being let go of. Lynn attempts to make sure the players going off are not too low on morale as the window of opportunity presents itself in the weirdest of ways and given the nature of the sport, just anything can happen.
If you'll forgive a moment of editorializing, 'Hard Knocks' on a more personal note makes the feeling of the need for NFL stronger. Sure there is a pandemic raging on. And as someone who tested positive for it and recovered from it, and considering the fitness levels of these athletes, the idea is to just accept and move on. Most sports have taken the step and are working their way around it and perhaps it is time the NFL does too.
The news so far about the season is the start of them trying to get in some sporting action. So why stop when the world doesn't?
'Hard Knocks: Los Angeles' airs Tuesdays 10 pm ET on HBO.