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McKnight Uses Hard Knocks as Motivation

EAST RUTHERFORD NJ - AUGUST 16:  Joe McKnight #25 of the New York Jets rushes against the New York Giants during their game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 16 2010 in East Rutherford New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD NJ - AUGUST 16: Joe McKnight #25 of the New York Jets rushes against the New York Giants during their game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 16 2010 in East Rutherford New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
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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.