McKnight Uses Hard Knocks as Motivation

by John B on Aug 22, 2010 10:05 AM EDT

Joe McKnight was portrayed as a guy who was struggling on last week's episode of Hard Knocks. He is using the rough things the coaching staff had to say to motivate him.

"I got a lot of feedback, but I didn't like the feedback I got," McKnight said after the second preseason contest. "So what I wanted to do was come out, get on the attack and change everyone's perception of me."

Great coaches in a lot of sports use the media to try and get through to their players. Rex Ryan and the staff know that anything they tell to the HBO cameras will likely get back to their players. It's a tool for them to use to get more out of their guys.

We saw on the punt return last night the incredible ability the guy has. Life in the NFL is a big adjustment from the new lifestyle to the playbook to enhanced responsibilities on the field (blocking, etc.). It can take time for guys to fully adjust. I think the light is just going to click on one day this year with McKnight, and he is going to turn into something special.

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100% Agree

He’s flashing his potential. After game 1 he was told to hit the hole harder, in game 2 he did just that. It shows he is listening to his coaches, to the advice and like he said it’s tough love. He needs the coaching and tough love of his coaches, and the support of the players and fans. It’s a big transition just like you said, and he’s a 4th round pick, this isn’t Reggie Bush where he was expected to come in from day 1.

I have high hopes for McKnight, and he’s already showing improvement and that’s all you can ask for. 4th round talent needs coaching.

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by David_Wyatt on Aug 22, 2010 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Stop worrying about the cross-dog, Joe.

and the home of the... JETS!!!
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by dvdvil on Aug 22, 2010 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

He’s just upset he had to take a pay cut

Punt return aside, he didn’t look that much better. But I don’t think they are running him right from a performance stand point, he will never be a between the tackles guy.

by Judgegavel on Aug 22, 2010 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

It's way too early to use the word "never"

and the offensive line hasn’t looked great for any RB so far.

by Rats on Aug 22, 2010 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

He does appear to have talent, but his mental makeup bothers me. From his attitude when he was getting reprimanded by a coach on Hard Knocks to his remarks about it later. His not wanting to watch it because he expected to be portrayed negatively. Nobody likes hearimg negative things about theselves but it is in that negative criticism that we learn about our weaknesses. Hopefully it is just his youth and he will mature. But compare his attitude with Conner’s or Wilson’s who are both said to be sponges stuck at the veterans hip.

by george JETson on Aug 22, 2010 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

I kinda agree with but in his defense… He did hear the criticism directly and watching Knocks wasn’t going to make the message any clearer. And its probably not helpful, especially if he’s sensitive, which he appears to be. And he did go to dinner with LD for advice and direction.

by Crackback on Aug 22, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus Knocks want’s you thinking that, they want to make drama, so they build it in one direction, meanwhile your not seeing the positive things he’s doing (untill episode 5 when they are excited about hime or something, lol). Fun for us, but it actually might help McKinight.

by Judgegavel on Aug 23, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions