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The 2024 Hard Knocks: In Season will feature all four AFC North teams: the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns. The series will debut on HBO on December 3rd, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET, and will be available for streaming on Max.
However, prior to the in-season version, two more versions, i.e., Hard Knocks: Offseason, featuring the New York Giants and Hard Knocks: Training Camp featuring the Chicago Bears, will start on July 2 and August 6, respectively.
In this article, I'll talk about the five storylines that viewers can look forward to when the in-season version airs in December.
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Hard Knocks 2024: Top 5 storylines to watch
#1. Russell Wilson tries to save his NFL career in Pittsburgh
After the Denver Broncos released him this past offseason, Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This could be the 35-year-old quarterback's last chance to prove himself in the NFL, and if he fails to impress, then his days in the league are numbered.
As of now, it is not confirmed that Wilson will be the Steelers starting quarterback in Week 1, as he will compete with Justin Fields for the starting spot during the training camp. However, head coach Mike Tomlin was quite optimistic about the veteran quarterback when they signed him, and it's a positive sign for the nine-time Pro Bowler.
Even if Wilson plays well, the Steelers will be a must-watch on HBO. Viewers will undoubtedly be interested in how Mike Tomlin deals with two quarterbacks who will compete for the starting spot and how the rest of the team reacts to it.
#2. Joe Burrow's comeback from a season-ending injury
Joe Burrow was dealing with a calf injury heading into last season, and it impacted his performance at the start of the season. Once he started to play well, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback suffered a season-ending injury in Week 10's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite Burrow's injury, the Bengals finished 9–8. The former LSU star is expected to start in Week 1, and the Bengals are once again a Super Bowl contender.
It will be fascinating to see how Burrow approaches this season, as many have already labeled him as an injury-prone quarterback. There is no denying that, when healthy, Burrow is a top-three quarterback in the league, and viewers will be looking forward to seeing his return on the field. Moreover, all eyes will be on Tee Higgins, as he is currently seeking a new deal that the franchise hasn't offered yet.
#3. Derrick Henry's Ravens debut
After eight years in Tennessee, Derrick Henry will start a new chapter of his NFL journey in Baltimore. He signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens this offseason and will hope to push the franchise to its ultimate goal, i.e., a Super Bowl win.
Henry is coming off a season in which he had 280 carries for 1,167 yards, scored 12 touchdowns in 17 games, and averaged 4.2 yards per carry. The star running back is expected to play a big role for the Ravens this year and could have a great year as he will play behind a better offensive line and on a better offense than he did during his time with Tennessee.
#4. Deshaun Watson's last chance to redeem himself?
Since his blockbuster trade from the Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson has failed to impress in Cleveland. He played just six games last season, as his season was cut short by a shoulder injury.
In those six games, he didn't play well, as he threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions with a passer rating of 84.3. After arriving in Cleveland, Watson signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, and he needs to have a big season for his team this year.
The Browns have one of the best defenses in the league, and if their star quarterback plays well, then they have the potential to win the Super Bowl. If Watson continues to struggle, then the team might look toward Jameis Winston, who signed with the franchise this offseason.
#5. Lamar Jackson's approach after AFC Championship Game loss vs Chiefs
Lamar Jackson won the second MVP award of his career last season, as the Ravens finished with the best record in the AFC. However, their season came to a disappointing end as they lost 17-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
The Ravens quarterback didn't play well in that game, and the Hard Knocks viewers will be tuned in to see how he performs this season. Jackson's regular-season resume already cements him as one of the best quarterbacks to play in the NFL, but unless he leads his team to a Super Bowl, not many will give the 27-year-old star the respect he deserves.
Cleveland Browns Nation! Check out the latest Cleveland Browns Schedule and dive into the Browns Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
