The Facts: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson said last week he'd be interested in another appearance on "Hard Knocks," but the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a strong contender for this season's version of the HBO reality series, according to sources. An HBO spokesman declined to comment, saying it's company policy not to discuss potential candidates during the selection process. Typically, HBO, which produces the show in conjunction with NFL Films, doesn't announce the team until May.
Diehards Line:Following a 13-3 record and NFC South title in 2010, the Falcons went 10-6 in 2010 and lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants 24-2 in the first round of the playoffs. Despite boasting former Pro Bowlers Matt Ryan at QB, Michael Turner at RB and Roddy White at WR, the Falcons regressed on offense in 2011. The struggles followed a headline-grabbing draft-day trade in which Atlanta moved up moved up to the No. 6 overall pick to select former Alabama wr Julio Jones. Still, under Ryan and HC Mike Smith, the Falcons have made the playoffs three of the past four seasons. They have never been featured on "Hard Knocks," which documents a team's trip through training camp and the preseason every August. There was no series last summer because of the NFL lockout. ... Stay tuned.