Hard Knocks: Do New Orleans Saints Have a Chance to Appear on HBO Series?

Aug 22, 2011; Oxnard, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton (left) and quarterback Drew Brees (9) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields at the Residence Inn. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are one of the most interesting teams heading into the 2013 NFL season thanks to the return of head coach Sean Payton and the addition of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan—does this mean the Saints have a chance at appearing on HBO’s series  Hard Knocks?

We are inclined to think the Saints are one of the teams in contention to appear on the HBO series that has swept the nation by storm over the past few years.

For one, the Saints are one of the most intriguing teams because Payton and Co. have always kept things surrounding the team so private. Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis have turned down the opportunity to appear on Hard Knocks in the past. You would be hard pressed to find another organization outside of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots that is more secretive.

Not to mention the Saints have one of the biggest and most dedicated fanbases (nice work, you guys!) in America’s most popular sport. There is always a demand for behind-the-scenes access to the franchise, so it is no wonder why HBO has approached the team in the past about the show.

There seems to be even more demand than usual this year. Part of it is the potential for a comeback story. Payton is finally reunited with his team after serving his suspension for the Bountygate scandal. Many are divided on whether the punishments handed down were fair, but all seem to be interested in whether Payton can get the Saints back to a Super bowl.

There’s also the underrated element of Ryan directing the defense. It’s not as simple as him being tasked with correcting the worst statistical defense in NFL history, which he is attempting to do by switching the team to a 3-4. It’s also that he is one of the most polarizing coaches in all of sports, which shouldn’t be all that surprising based on his similarities to his loud-mouthed brother, Rex Ryan.

Rob Ryan’s brother, Rex, has provided some comical Hard Knocks moments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbJtZxKrig

While we have not heard much about HBO’s Hard Knocks yet, we have to think we will be soon. Training camp is right around the corner and the directors of the series may want to get a head start on finding a team considering so many, New Orleans included, turned down the opportunity last year.

What do you think? Do you want the Saints to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks? Does the team deserve it? Sound off in the comments section below or let us know on  Twitter @whodatdish or  on Facebook.