Given the Chicago Bears' prior hesitations about appearing on HBO's Hard Knocks, many Bears fans are experiencing the program for the first time in earnest, given that the Bears are featured on this year's Training Camp iteration of the show.
There is no doubt that in the first two episodes, the show has definitely given us cool moments. Whether it was legendary College Football head coach Nick Saban not only appearing at camp but having a sit down with Matt Eberflus or Theo Benedet becoming an overnight sensation, there has been no shortage of moments that the casual viewer can be entertained with.
But, overall, the show is not for the die-hard Bears' fan.
Case in point, one of the biggest storylines through the first two episodes has been the perceived climb that undrafted rookie quarterback Austin Reed has toward making the Bears' 53-man roster. Reed's parents have been highlighted in each episode, and who doesn't love seeing that full-circle moment of parents watching their son reach the professional level? But here is the thing: there is no scenario where Reed makes the 53-man roster.
That is a leading fact for why the show is not for die-hard Bears fans. Bears fans not only know the ins and outs of the Bears' roster, but they devour content each day. This means there is an overall awareness of when the team is putting out fluff compared to what is actually being discussed locally among beat reporters and sports radio stations.
There is no reason to be overly annoyed with how watered-down the Bears have made each episode, as there still are reasons to watch. For example, seeing Caleb Williams interact with his teammates, such as Rome Odunze, is insightful toward understanding how quickly Williams is embracing his role as the team's leader. But in terms of watching for added knowledge about what is going on with the Bears, Hard Knocks is not that type of platform.