Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals Review

Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals is a microcosm of a any recent Bengals season. The show starts out with hope just like the season. Coach Marvin Lewis has a new T-shirt to inspire the team. The slogan this year is "Fight Back." Owner Mike Brown attempts to give an inspirational speech in his robotic delivery. Which means if he were leading troops into battle and gave that type of speech, you would say, "We're going to die." Like the season, there's a terrible injury to a key player. Reggie Kelly described by the show as the heart of the team goes down with a season ending Achilles tendon injury. The show then ends with diappointment as we see fullback J.D. Runnels get cut. Disappointment usually is felt at the end of a Bengals season. By the way, where's the Who Dey Revolution plane that flew around the field criticizing the lack of scouts?

As for the technical aspects of the show itself, it was beautifully filmed. Shots have warmth and are framed artistically. The Bengals seem like a likeable bunch of guys you want to root for. You wonder how Kelly's injury will effect rookie Chase Coffman. One wants to root for fullback hard luck Chris Pressley to make the team. How will this team come together? And how will this team do in the season? This makes the show one that you look forward to seeing until the run ends. Another winner for HBO and NFL Films. The grade is "A." Here's the official site for the show.