CLEVELAND -- With images of the LeBron James banner being removed from downtown spliced between footage from Hue Jackson's infamous lake jump, it didn't take long for "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cleveland Browns" to set the scene for its subject, which just so happens to be coming off an 0-16 season.
But by the end of its premiere episode, the Browns' winless campaign seemed like a distant memory, replaced with the standard optimism that often proves pervasive at training camps across the country this time of year.
On Tuesday, HBO debuted its latest installment of its annual mini-series, which follows one NFL team each offseason throughout its training camp journey. And as far as premieres of the popular series go, it'd be tough to find one that topped this, with the Browns providing a mix of humor and heartbreak that set the tone for what's looking like a can't miss series:
Some highlights:
Juice on the loose
If one player stood out as the MVP of this year's 'Hard Knocks' premiere, you'd be hard pressed to find a better choice than wide receiver Jarvis Landry.
Acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins and subsequently signed to a long-term extension this offseason, the 3-time Pro Bowl selection displayed his fiery personality in an expletive-filled rant during a team meeting, in which he implored his fellow wide receivers to practice through their more minor injuries.
"If you can practice, f---ing practice," Landry shouted. "That s--t is contagious and it's been here in the past."
*Some language NSFW*
Landry also displayed his more playful side thanks to his catchphrase, "bless 'em," as well as the impressive set of hands that helped make him one of the highest paid receivers in all of football. Perhaps Cleveland defensive end Carl Nassib put it best while watching Landry haul in another impressive catch when he said: "Jarvis is f---ing good."
Heartbreak from Hue
In one of the earliest scenes in the episode, Browns head coach Hue Jackson can be seen checking in with his sister regarding the health of his mother.
By the episode's end, Jackson's mother had passed away -- mere weeks after the third-year head coach also lost his brother.
For the majority of the episode, Jackson does his best to focus on football -- sometimes while in the middle of grieving -- but at one point, it becomes apparent the burden he's carrying. Following a group hug with Browns general manager John Dorsey and a pair of team employees, Jackson breaks down sobbing -- only to take the practice field with his team an hour later.
"She taught us one thing -- how to be strong," Jackson's sister can be heard telling him during a phone call after he learned of her passing.
Our-V
When it comes to more lighthearted sub-plots, the Browns' quarterback RV has been all the rage. On the advice of veteran backup Drew Stanton, No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield purchased the motor vehicle in order to give the team's signal-callers a place to rest and relax in between practice sessions.
When it came to RV's 'Hard Knocks' debut, the star of the show isn't Mayfield, Tyrod Taylor, or even Stanton. Rather, it was fourth-string rookie Brogran Roback, who provided a humorous tour of the most famous vehicle on the Browns' lot.
"People have been tweeting me nonstop and asking me, 'Oh, is Brogan allowed on the RV?' he said. "Last time I checked, I was a quarterback too."
Other notes
- In one scene, Jackson and Dorsey can be seen discussing the status of Josh Gordon, who the team learns will not be present for the early part of training camp. Although no explanation for the former All-Pro's absence is shared other than "he's working through some things," Gordon does text Jackson to share his condolences following the passing of his mother and also says he'll see him soon.
- An early scene at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport shows Mayfield arriving to fanfare, while rookie running back Nick Chubb remains relatively anonymous at baggage claim.
- Although the Browns have been consistent in touting Taylor as their starting quarterback, Jackson was quick to inform Mayfield that "everything is competition" as he chided the No. 1 overall pick over his pre-practice habits, noting how early Taylor arrives at the facility for his workouts.
- Both Taylor and Mayfield seem to have strong showings throughout camp -- a departure from Cleveland's previous quarterback play.
- Nassib lectures his teammates regarding responsible saving -- and later, time management -- while also noting that he bought a Rolex to impress Taylor Swift before meeting her at her concert in Cleveland. "I had to buy a Rolex so she know I got it," said Nassib, whose picture with Swift is later displayed by Jackson at a team meeting.
- After interviewing him for the NFL Network, former Browns linebacker Willie McGinest shares pass-rush moves with defensive end Myles Garrett.
- In one scene, Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey shows off his musical talents on the drums, even providing the soundtrack for an entire scene.
- At a coaches meeting, new offensive coordinator Todd Haley and running backs coach Freddie Kitchens implore Jackson to force players to practice more, with the head coach opting to play it safer with his more injury prone players. "When it's your team, you get to do whatever the hell you want," Jackson said with a laugh, noting he received the advice from assistant Al Saunders.
