Houston Texans: More From “Hard Knocks”
Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) celebrates with center
James Ferentz(78) after scoring a touchdown in the second half of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Texans won, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
3) Preseason doesn’t matter – until it does
The injury to Jordy Nelson was horrible. It’s awful that a star player, or a player of any caliber, will miss an entire season after being injured in a game that doesn’t count towards the standings. I don’t blame coaches like Bill Belichick for holding certain players (Rob Gronkowski) out for the entire preseason.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. “Hard Knocks” is able to capture the love of the game that drives all of these players, whether they are the 1st or 90th player on the roster. Linebacker Kourtnei Brown was absolutely ecstatic that he returned an interception for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos, so much so that he had the ball put in a case and was saving newspaper clippings. When he blew a play that resulted in a touchdown in the Saints game, you could clearly see the crushing look of disappointment on his face, knowing that one poor play or blown assignment could be the difference between making the final 53 and having to pack your bags.
Yes, the preseason games don’t count. But that doesn’t mean they don’t matter.
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