Detroit Lions Hard Knocks: Episode 1 Recap

By Tayyib Abu

The Detroit Lions are one of the more intriguing football teams heading into the 2022 season – something HBO recognised when they named them the feature of Hard Knocks, their award-winning yearly documentary series showcasing an NFL training camp. Tayyib Abu brings you his thoughts on a blockbuster opening episode:

The Detroit Lions are the stars of HBO’s Hard Knocks series in 2022. The NFL cameras have infiltrated every part of the Lions’ Allen Park training complex to capture every aspect of training camp ahead of the 2022 NFL season. The Lions finished 3-13-1 in 2021, but there is a buzz building locally and nationally around the Honolulu Blues. Episode one of the 20th Hard Knocks series aired on HBO this Tuesday, and fans saw the seismic changes within the Lions organization. Head coach Dan Campbell is a ferociously charismatic leader, and backing him is a coaching staff that boasts a ton of NFL experience. Coaches Duce Staley, Aaron Glenn, Mark Brunell, Kelvin Sheppard, Antwan Randle-El, and Hank Fraley played in the NFL. Add that eclectic mix to a young, hungry team, and this year’s Hard Knocks is a must-watch. Here are three highlights from episode one.

Motor City Dan Campbell Is The Real Deal

Credit: Paul Sancya (Associated Press)

When Dan Campbell walked into the Lions’ training facility on a frigid January morning in 2021, the big Texan was already emotionally charged. Filled with caffeine and the raw emotion of returning to where he played, Campbell stood up at his opening press conference and put the Detroit Lions fanbase on notice. Campbell eschewed the ‘coach speak’ and spoke from the heart. 

The former tight end talked about biting kneecaps, running through brick walls, and being fearless. Lions fans lapped it up while others derided Campbell. A scrappy season followed Campbell’s opening press conference as his talent-shorn squad battled through the regular season. Despite having significant roster depth problems, the Lions finished their season 3-3. 

The team fostered a no-nonsense mentality with grit. Fast forward 18 months, and Campbell strode in with purpose as he welcomed the 2022 Lions to training camp and pointed to the word ‘grit’ scrawled across the meeting room wall. The second-year head coach describes grit as the Lions’ core foundation. Campbell then went into overdrive as he rallied his players, quoting Metallica, talking about getting into deep water and burying the opponent. 

It was bold, energetic, and vivid, but classic Dan Campbell. That opening press conference was not a facade. Campbell is the ultimate motivator, passionate about his players and the game. As the iconic Hard Knocks music started playing, Campbell finished his opening monologue with ‘it is about to be fun.’ What Campbell didn’t know was that the fun had already started.

Duce Staley & Aaron Glenn Are Coaches On The Rise

Credit: USA Today Sports

When the Lions hired Dan Campbell as head coach, the usual outcry and false narratives were thrown at the franchise after they overlooked minority candidates Eric Bienemy, Marvin Lewis, and Raheem Morris. The critics and pundits ignored the hirings of Duce Staley, Aaron Glenn, Aubrey Pleasant, Kelvin Sheppard, and JT Barrett. The Lions have packed their coaching staff with notable African-American coaches, and Staley and Glenn may soon be primed for head coaching jobs. 

A former NFL running back, Staley is as intense as they come. In his opening press conference, Staley stated that football was a ‘man kicks another man’s ass’ game. Staley lives for competition, and he wants the offense to win every rep in practice. But, Staley is not a barking general with no substance. His relationship with Philadelphia-native D’Andre Swift feels like a Father/Son relationship. Staley constantly puts his arm around Swift while ensuring his young running back understands the message. 

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn nearly became the New Orleans Saints head coach this offseason. Per Peter King, Glenn shone when he met team owners at an NFL coaching pathway event in the Spring. Glenn is the antithesis of Staley. Referred to by his players as ‘Unc,’ Glenn strolls around Allen Park with a floppy hat and sandals. 

However, do not think he is a calm, easy-going guy. Glenn played 14 years in the NFL as a cornerback making three Pro Bowls. Glenn is competitive and has quickly built a reputation for connecting with young players. A disciple of the Vic Fangio tree, Glenn is a coordinator on the rise.

Aidan Hutchinson Was Born To Be A Detroit Lion

When the Lions drafted Aidan Hutchinson, Aaron Glenn labeled the defensive end as a through and through Detroit Lion. In this episode, Hard Knocks peeled the curtain behind Hutchinson, his family, and the journey to the NFL. Sitting with his parents and older sisters, Hutchinson’s mum, Melissa, spoke about a photo of her son in a Lions uniform as a child that had resurfaced before the 2021 season. 

Melissa kept that photo until the draft when the Lions completed the circle and kept the BIG TEN Championship Game MVP in his hometown. And then, Hutchinson stole the show during the Lions’ rookie skit. 

After Campbell let rip into his senior players, Hutchinson brought the room to life with a rendition of Billie Jean. That moment will stand the test of time, along with iconic other Hard Knocks moments. The skit displayed how close and together this team is. A far cry from the Matt Patricia era when the coach made his rookies do their routine again at 5 am. 

Hutchinson tore the room down, and his on-field battles with Penei Sewell in one-on-ones perfectly highlighted the intensity and grit that Hutchinson adds to the Lions.

TAYYIB ABU

CFB/NFL ANALYST

Tayyib is an avid NFL fan and, as a follower of the detroit lions, is a permanent resident in the honolulu blue heartbreak hotel. writing football articles since 2019, tayyib loves everything about the sport except that wins are not a qb stat. follow him on twitter @TayyibABU1

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