The 2021 season of hard knocks will be the first time that the show follows a team that has made the playoffs in the last two seasons. That could lead to plenty of story lines, including the battle for playing time between rookies like defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams.
The Dallas Cowboys also have veterans such as linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and running back Marion Barber who are in contract years. That means those guys will be in the spotlight and there could be some tension between them and head coach Jason Campbell and other staffers.
Ultimately, the Cowboys will have to prove that they can win with Dak Prescott after a disappointing season. They might be in a tough spot, but if they can get the most out of their players and avoid injuries, they may have a chance to make a run at the postseason.
Over the last 16 seasons of hard knocks, eight teams have failed to beat their preseason over/under and seven have met it. The exception was the 2010 New York Jets, who went 11-5 and won a wild-card game in their first season under Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez.
The NFL hasn't officially announced which teams will be featured on the 2023 season of hard knocks, but it is safe to say that the New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders are among the four finalists. Those two teams would meet all of the criteria for being on the show: They have a first-year head coach and made the playoffs in the last two seasons.
