Reactions to AFC North In Season Hard Knocks: Myles Garrett battles cough, Steelers get the last laugh in episode two
Episode two of HBO's first-ever "In Season Hard Knocks" featured another AFC North rivalry matchup involving the Pittsburgh Steelers, family time with both Jameis Winston and Joey Porter Jr., and a special moment with Ja'Marr Chase and his biggest fan. We've gathered our takeaways from all corners of the division thanks to our AFC North beat […]
Episode two of HBO's first-ever "In Season Hard Knocks" featured another AFC North rivalry matchup involving the Pittsburgh Steelers, family time with both Jameis Winston and Joey Porter Jr., and a special moment with Ja'Marr Chase and his biggest fan.
We've gathered our takeaways from all corners of the division thanks to our AFC North beat writers. Here's what stood out to us from the second episode of the season.
Mike Tomlin's omnipresence is the secret behind the Steelers' preparation
When Mike Tomlin stepped up to the postgame podium following Sunday’s win against the Browns he preached one thing despite the absence of George Pickens: Faith in the collective.
In episode two, we see Mike Tomlin, a defensive minded HC sitting in a team meeting with his three QBs, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth, emphasizing the need to take care of the ball against Cleveland.
It’s these moments in the show that display why no part is bigger than the whole in Pittsburgh. It’s a team-first dynamic, lead by a coach who oversees every part of the team to ensure all his units play together as one. — A to Z Sports' Rob Gregson
Myles Garrett proves he'll fight through anything for the Browns, even his health
The second episode started with the loss against the Denver Broncos. Jameis Winston had a couple of big turnovers against the Broncos, but he also threw for 497 yards. It was pretty cool to hear Kevin Stefanski say he wanted the ball in Winston’s hands near the end of the game, even though he threw a game-ending interception.
Prior to the second matchup against the Steelers, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said exactly what you’d expect him to say about Myles Garrett. He did not want the Steelers to allow him to wreck the game for a second time on the season. Tomlin has tremendous respect for Garrett and it is easy to see. Hard Knocks revealed that the All-Pro pass rusher played sick against the Steelers in the second matchup but was still able to record a sack. Garrett talking to the defensive line room about finding a reason to continue to play just showed his leadership. It was neat to see that behind closed doors. Shelby Harris chimed in and kept it real with his teammates about how they’re playing for their future with the team.
Through two episodes, Winston is the main character for the Browns and that is how it probably should be with his ability to entertain. — A to Z Sports' Brandon Little
Zac Taylor had every reason to fight a referee, and Ja'Marr Chase is simply the best
The whys for Zac Taylor and Ja'Marr Chase highlighted the Bengals' portion of the episode. Taylor addressed his team and proclaimed his motivation for the week was getting to celebrate with his players in the visiting locker room at AT&T Stadium. He got that outcome despite needing to yell a referee's ear off after yet another facemask on Joe Burrow wasn't called during the game. That the ref actually said "I don't think so" despite damning visual evidence of the infraction is another reason why the NFL has an officiating problem.
Chase had one major plan for the week: Do a cranked up "Griddy" with Tee Higgins in the end zone with his buddy Brixton Wood watching him in the stands. Wood is a young cancer survivor and perhaps the biggest Chase super fan there is. The two got to hang out the night before Chase went for 177 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals' 27-20 victory. He balled out for him that night, no doubt about it. — A to Z Sports' John Sheeran
Ravens continue to be in the background on bye week
Hard Knocks’ second installment was a bit of a snoozer for Baltimore Ravens fans. It was their bye week, so that’s not particularly surprising.
A meeting with the lowly New York Giants in Week 15 could give them a bit more screen time next week, given they take care of business as expected, though. Not to mention, the lack of involvement so far may not be a bad thing for the Ravens, and some fans have noticed that over the first two episodes.
These teams have a hand in what’s shown on the show, and clearly, Baltimore is keeping plenty under wraps. As long as the wins keep coming, fans probably won’t be too worried about what John Harbaugh is eating for Friday lunch or which uniform they’ll be wearing on a given Sunday. — A to Z Sports' Adam Holt
Ja’Marr Chase made sure he was the first to gift Joe Burrow a birthday present after Bengals’ win over Cowboys
Just some friends being friends.
