The Browns are unlikely "to raise their hand" and volunteer to be featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this year, as they will "try to dissuade NFL Films this week" from picking the team, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The Browns "might not be able to talk NFL Films out of it if it's true they have their heart set on it, but they're certainly expected to try for a number of reasons." The Browns "don't meet any of the criteria exempting them from Hard Knocks this year." However, it would be "incredibly irresponsible" for NFL Films to follow Browns QB Johnny Manziel around with cameras "when he's trying to stay on the straight and narrow just to get ratings." Manziel checked himself into rehab this offseason (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 3/24). Browns GM Ray Farmer, when asked if such a scenario would be cause for concern, said, “I think those are things that need to be taken into consideration" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 3/24). In N.Y., John DeMarzo writes under the header, "Disastrous Browns Would Turn ‘Hard Knocks’ Into Must-See TV." DeMarzo: "If we can’t get 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' back, we may have to settle for this" (N.Y. POST, 3/24). ESPN's J.A. Adande said, "It can't be a bad thing. They can't be worse. ... That is why you draft a Johnny Manziel because he is going to add interest" ("Around the Horn," ESPN, 3/23).
IF YOU'RE GONNA PLAY IN TEXAS...: Texans Owner Robert McNair yesterday said that the Texans "are a candidate" to appear on the show, but added that he "hasn’t made up his mind about allowing them to appear on the HBO series." McNair: “It’s something we’re considering, but I haven’t decided. It’s a distraction, but it’s something people like to see. Our first responsibility is to do everything we can to win on the field. So the question is, what impact does that have on you?” (CHRON.com, 3/23).
