Episode 2 of HBO's "Hard Knocks" aired last night, and it showed that the Rams are a "pretty chill group," according to Dan Hanzus of NFL.com. Hanzus: "I don't think the Rams are running a country club over there. And I understand it is the job of NFL Films to show some of the lighter moments from camp life in the service of entertainment. But from my perspective on the couch -- things look loose" (NFL.com, 8/16). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Zac Jackson wrote the show is "going to be fine ... despite a lack of real stars or known characters" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 8/16). ESPN L.A.'s Alden Gonzalez notes Rams DE William Hayes "emerged as the central figure in the second episode because of his outlandish convictions." Hayes spent a "chunk of the show defending his belief that the existence of dinosaurs is merely a myth." He said, "I just can't fathom a T. rex walking around here, something man ain't ever seen" (ESPNLA.com, 8/17).
PRIME CUT: BROADCASTING & CABLE's Diana Marszalek noted L.A.-based KABC-TV "will air 'Rams Primetime Saturday with Jay Mohr' in primetime on 14 consecutive Saturdays." The programming block will "include two shows produced by the Rams organization featuring player interviews and on-the-field footage, as well as a live component hosted by Mohr." The show is sponsored by Southern California Toyota Dealers (BROADCASTINGCABLE.com, 8/16).
WE MISS YOU: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar noted Saturday's Cowboys-Rams preseason game on ESPN drew a 2.3 local rating in St. Louis, ranking 24th nationally. The game drew a 6.9 local rating in L.A., but "didn't rival what the team had been doing in St. Louis" for preseason games, which last year averaged a 9.4 rating. The "worst figure" last year was a 7.9 rating (STLTODAY.com, 8/16).
