Reality of Hard Knocks

In watching the Bengal's season of Hard Knocks on HBO I will be curious to see how our beloved cast of characters act in front of the rolling cameras. What version of reality will we see? Will it be a season of "Jackass"? a season of "Jon & Kate Plus Eight"? Or a season of "Survivor"? What might we see that none of us thought we would ever witness in regards to the Bengals. Are there benefits to filming our team through training camp? Which of these three comparisons do you think will emerge?

"Jackass"? This comparison has played out in the last few years. Childish antics, illegal activities, and needless pain have been the playbill for the productions we have become accustoming to seeing. This is the comparison everyone outside of Cincinnati most likely envisions seeing. Will this be a Bengals season where the team is left on the floor clutching their genitalia in pain why the world sits back laughing? Or will the team stand strong?

"Jon & Kate Plus Eight"? The Bengal version this preseason might very well be "Marv & Mike Plus Eighty". The reality being that this relationship ends in a divorce as well. Putting a family in front of cameras has turned disastrous for many reality families. Putting a team together in front of a camera that lacks a true identity could prove the same. Here's hoping those crazy kids can make it and the marriage lasts.

Might we see "Survivor"? Send a bunch of athletes to Georgetown Kentucky with only football gear and just maybe something magical will happen. perhaps the team will form tight alliances and forge relationships in order to find the elusive Vince Lombardi Idol? Bengal's Hard Knocks will either show that there are players willing to lead or a group of malcontents who will push this team farther into despair for their own personal game. Whoever could I be talking about, Twitter me after the final show has aired if you are still unsure.

Whatever reality is revealed on HBO we can only hope it matches a reality we all long for. If this shows only purpose is to expand the fan base and to sellout Paul Brown Stadium then we as Bengal fans have been sold-out. Here's hoping that the players themselves use this as an opportunity to not only showcase their athletic skills, but prove that they are indeed leaders. To exhibit team pride, fight for something greater than themselves, and to pull this franchise back to respectability. The term "school of hard knocks" is a term used in reference to overcoming adversity and pain to become something great. Here's hoping our Bengal players aren't playing hookie this year.