You know those scenes in "The Office" in which Steve Carrell's Michael Scott is so awkward that it's literally uncomfortable to watch? That's kind of how the season finale of "Hard Knocks" felt. These real life players you've come to know, like and relate to are mercilessly cut from the team, their dreams and careers put on permanent hold. Ouch. It's nothing personal, it's just business. But it's still no fun to watch.
The toughest cut to watch may have been wide receiver Uzoma "E.Z." Nwachukwu, who has become a fan favorite over the last five weeks. "For me, I've gotta get a guy that can run the gamut of routes a little bit better than you," head coach Bill O'Brien told him. No minced words in Houston's locker room. E.Z. took a moment to digest the news and then slowly walked out of O'Brien's office totally defeated.
"Devastated I think would be a good word," Nwachukwu said. "I thought it would go in different way, but it didn't."
Likewise for cornerback Charles James II. Both players had solid training camp and preseason showing. Both players, ultimately, didn't make the cut. Casual fans think there's room for everyone on the 53-man roster when the reality is anything but.
However, the good news for James, Nwachukwu and linebacker Kourtnei Brown is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. James joined the Baltimore Ravens, E.Z. signed on with the Miami Dolphins and Brown landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All hope is not lost.
Overall, this was a solid season of "Hard Knocks." O'Brien emerged as the breakout star, a coach whose personality is only rivaled by his football acumen. But the MVP of the show is none other than Vince Wilfork. Despite spending his entire career under the personality-less Bill Belichick, Wilfork was a constant source of buzz and energy anytime he showed up on screen. The 350-pound Goliath nailed three-pointers during a pickup basketball game, showed off his field goal kicking skills and told hilarious dirty jokes. What more do you want?
We'll miss you "Hard Knocks," but at least we have regular season football to keep us entertained for now.
