Jaguars Still In Contention For HBO Series Hard Knocks

HBO still doesn't have a team to feature in their annual Summertime right of passage Hard Knocks, and the Jaguars are still in contention. Pro Football Talk reports that HBO is still considering Jacksonville, though it seems that they would only pick them reluctantly.

HBO would likely prefer just about any other team to Jacksonville, which doesn’t have a big fan base and doesn’t have a particularly compelling cast of characters heading into training camp. A Maurice Jones-Drew contract dispute could make for an interesting storyline, and there are questions about whether new coach Mike Mularkey will stand by his vow to start Blaine Gabbert over Chad Henne, but this year’s Jaguars don’t appear to be anywhere near as entertaining a Hard Knocks choice as the 2010 Jets, who were the gold standard for turning the training camp reality show into must-see TV.

So far the Falcons, 49ers, Redskins, Jets and Texans have publicly said that they don't want to be part of the show. We don't know how many have turned the show down behind closed doors.

Jets Turn Down Hard Knocks, Could HBO Turn To Jaguars?

HBO's Hard Knocks is one of the best shows of the year, especially for football fans. HBO has had some tough luck trying to find a team to profile this year. According to Big Cat Country, the Jets have turned HBO down, and the Jaguars are still standing as a volunteer.

The Jaguars have interest in doing the program. "We did express interest, and at this point we don't know what HBO's plans are," Jaguars spokesman Dan Edwards told the Florida Times-Union back in April. The Jaguars have been on a similar show in the past. For the 2004 season, the Jaguars appeared on the NFL Network "Summer" series in "Jaguars Summer".

While the Jaguars might not be an obvious choice for a show like this, they do have some elements that could make them an exciting choice. A new coach trying to instill his philosophy. A second year quarterback trying to make his mark after struggling mightily last year. And a rookie wide receiver taken in the top ten, and those are always good for some sound bites.

HBO Hard Knocks To Decide On Team By End Of May

The Atlanta Falcons turned down the offer to be on the HBO series "Hard Knocks" back in April, but the show is hoping to be able to decide on a team for the series by the end of the month of May, according to a report out of the New York Daily News.

HBO would like to have a team in place by the end of the month to give the network time to prepare for promos at minicamp. The filming takes place during training camp. The Jets minicamp takes place June 12-14.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have volunteered to be on the show, but HBO is said to still be looking at the New York Jets to appear on the program again. Jets owner Woody Johnson has expressed interest in the show, but both the Jets general manager and head coach have let it be known they're not too keen on doing the show again, given the locker room situation the Jets dealt with last year.

For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog, Big Cat Country.

Jaguars Could Be A Candidate For HBO's Hard Knocks

Could Jacksonville be featured on HBO's 'Hard Knocks'?