3 appealing reasons the Jaguars should volunteer for HBO Hard Knocks in 2023

NFL clubs don't often like the attention that comes with appearing in Hard Knocks. That's why HBO has had a hard time finding a team for this year's edition. While it's unlikely, there are a few intriguing reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars should take a step forward and offer themselves as tributes.

HBO has gotten in touch with the Detroit Lions to return to Hard Knocks after starring in last year's edition, via the Detroit News. Although the Chicago Bears, the Washington Commanders, the New Orleans Saints and the New York Jets are eligible to appear on the TV show, they don't seem eager to participate.

So which teams are exempt from starring on Hard Knocks?

• Clubs with a first-year head coach
• Those that made the playoffs in any of the last two seasons
• Teams that have made an appearance within the last 10 years.

And here's why the Jacksonville Jaguars are exempt: Doug Pederson is entering his second year as the head coach. They made the playoffs last year and advanced to the Divisional Round. Moreover, they have never appeared on Hard Knocks. They starred on Inside Training Camp in 2004 but that was an NFL Network production. With that said, here are three reasons they should appear in this year's edition of the HBO TV Show.

3. It would be great to see the Jaguars transition from being hunted to hunters

The Jags made the playoffs and won the AFC South in Doug Pederson's first year at the helm. The bar has rightfully been raised for next season and it will be interesting to see how the team deal with these new expectations and the spotlight that comes with them.

Hard Knocks can be distracting — that's why teams avoid it — but effectively dealing with the extra attention would show that the 2023 Jaguars are ready to clear whatever hurdles they encounter on their way to the 2023 season.

2. Jaguars players could share anecdotes about the Urban Meyer era

Several players have opened up about the things they had to endure during Urban Meyer's failed stint as the head coach in 2021. Safety Andrew Wingard said that nobody had it harder than Trevor Lawrence, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. called Meyer a broken man. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins wasn't as straightforward but noted that coaching was the difference between 2021 and last year.

Simply, it would be great to hear more anecdotes about the Urban Meyer debacle and how things have changed since Doug Pederson took over.

1. The 2023 Jaguars are full of personalities primed to appear on HBO

It feels like ages ago but the league released the schedule for the 2023 season and to announce it, the Jags let Asher Grodman direct a small clip that features players such Trevor Lawrence, Andrew Wingard, and Zay Jones. It's not hyperbole to say that it was one of the best schedules releases in 2023.

By appearing on Hard Knocks fans could have even more insight on a Jaguars locker room full of smart and charismatic players. After all, players make a name for themselves on the football field but it's always good to learn a bit about the man behind the facemask.

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