NFL announces Dolphins as HBO ‘Hard Knocks’ in-season team for 2023

HBO’s “Hard Knocks” is staying in the AFC East this year as the Miami Dolphins have been chosen as the franchise that will be the subject of the popular show’s in-season edition.

The NFL made the announcement on Monday after the Dolphins’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on “Sunday Night Football,” adding that more details will come on the show’s first episode to air on HBO and MAX.

The New York Jets got the “Hard Knocks” all-access treatment this offseason during their training camp battles. It was a perfect way to view Aaron Rodgers’ journey since being traded from the Green Bay Packers and getting connected with his new teammates on the practice and playing fields.

Of course, that storyline has hit the back burner this season with Rodgers tearing his Achilles just four plays into his Jets tenure. Meanwhile, one of the biggest storylines early this season has been the explosive Dolphins offense and how they could be true Super Bowl contenders with a current record of 5-2.

The Dolphins have a charismatic group that starts with their quirky head coach, Mike McDaniel, whose nonchalant, fun personality is a stark opposite compared to many with the same position around the league.

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But teams don’t care about his personality because it’s his offensive scheming that has been baffling them on the field since he took over the role last season, following a stint as the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator.

McDaniel told reporters Monday that he learned the Dolphins had been selected as the “Hard Knocks’ team earlier in the day, and while many others scoff at having cameras in the building while striving for a Vince Lombardi trophy, he said there can be positives for his young squad.

McDaniel expects filming to begin once the Dolphins return from Germany, where they will be this week to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Frankfurt.

McDaniel’s offense is all about speed, which is embodied by star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is one of the most fun faces in the league on and off the field.

Working alongside fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle, Hill’s ability to simply blow by defenses has been utilized by McDaniel, who has trusted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to lead the group on the field since he took over as head coach last season.

The Dolphins’ defense also features stars at multiple positions, including Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard at cornerback, Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb on the defensive line and many more. 

Unlike the Arizona Cardinals last year and the Indianapolis Colts before them, the Dolphins are pegged by many to make the playoffs this season. It’s just a matter of what seed they will end up with.

They did so last year as a wild card after going 9-8 in McDaniel’s inaugural season, falling to the Buffalo Bills on the road in the wild-card round. McDaniel didn’t have Tagovailoa at quarterback for that game, instead being forced to go with rookie Skylar Thompson with backup Teddy Bridgewater injured as well.

Miami is looking to prove they are the powerhouse many believe they can be, and that will be seen by NFL fans around the world with behind-the-scenes looks at what makes one of the most electric franchises in the league tick.