The Facts: The Atlanta Falcons have turned down an offer to be on HBO's Hard Knocks, league sources said Saturday.
Diehards Line:According to NFL Network insider Albert Breer, the decision was made by, among others, owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith. They were in agreement that the focus should be on football over the summer, and they didn't want anything to distract from that. The Falcons reportedly were the network's first choice once the New York Jets took themselves out of the race. ... Stay tuned. The Jaguars seem to be interested but it's not clear if HBO would share in their enthusiasm. So we'll see who gets the next call.