Episode 2 of Hard Knocks digs a little deeper. In the first episode, we saw a lot about Aaron Rodgers. Tuesday night, we learned more about the supporting cast.
Here are my five fantasy takeaways from Episode 2:
1. This defense is going to be a problem.
Quinnen Williams -- “Q Ball” -- looks every bit the defensive star and has a $96-million smile. At one point, Rodgers looks at the camera and holds up two fingers to signify the 11 sacks Williams created vs. the Panthers during a scrimmage last week. The not-so-normal 2023 first-round draft pick Will McDonald IV also gets his first sack as a pro, and after the Jets shutout the Panthers, 27-0, it’s hard not to get excited enough to take them as the first defense off the board in a fantasy draft.
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2. The offensive line could be a problem, too … but not in a good way.
After a practice, head coach Robert Saleh said they aren’t ready to play football. He told them a Hall of Fame QB and Offensive Rookie of the Year don’t matter until the big boys up front change who they are. I’mparaphrasing here -- Saleh used a few more colorful … adjectives. Saleh was not happy with the 7-10 finish last year. He will not be happy with an excellent defense and a so-so offense. Hopefully, he gets through to them, or our Breece Hall/Dalvin Cook debates won’t mean much in the end.
3. If you’re looking for a punishment for the last-place finisher in your fantasy league, this could be it.
McDonald takes a trip to get his eyebrow and nose pierced. And ... yikes! Then again, maybe the better punishment is making them sit through another magic show.
4. Rodgers’s fantasy stock is still rising.
He is quirky and specific. He was clear about what he needs from his center -- no spirals. He checks the grass for the tailwind and meditates with nature. Don’t “short-change” his play-fakes, either.
5. Zach Wilson could make it in this league after all.
He’s looking better and better under the mentorship of Rodgers.
Like any good fantasy manager, I went into Tuesday night’s episode of Hard Knocks looking for some clarity as to how much Dalvin Cook would affect Breece Hall’s playing time. After all, it was Breece Hall who shined in the Jets’ Week 6 win over the Packers last season when he broke off a 34-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Surely, Aaron Rodgers was impressed. Hall returned to practice for the first time this week after suffering a torn ACL in Week 7 of last season.
For now, we will continue operating on the idea that Cook will surely take the majority of the load for the early part of the season, with Hall potentially garnering more of the share as he strengthens through the season. Ah, Jets running back committees. How I have not missed you. But, hey, at least we know Michael Carter’s new number could be 10 (thanks, Mentalist).
Episode 3: we’re ready.
