Why Miami Dolphins Will Make Hard Knocks Must-See TV

The Miami Dolphins will be featured on this year's ever-popular HBO's Hard Knocks. 

After months without a team committing to the show, Jeff Darlington of NFL.com broke the news this morning on Twitter. The first show is set for August 7. 

The show is exquisite for a team like the Dolphins that's in dire need of a jolt. For fans, Miami's an ideal club to feature on the show for many reasons. While they don't have a great chance to win the AFC East, they certainly aren't short on storylines.

They've got a young and talented but inexperienced rookie quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, who just happens to have a gorgeous wife. 

Reggie Bush is coming off a surprisingly productive season, and Joe Philbin looks to make a profound initial impression in his first head coaching job. 

Here's why the 2012 Miami Dolphins will make Hard Knocks must-see television this August.  

Ryan Tannehill/QB Battle

Ryan Tannehill was one of the most discussed prospects in this year's NFL draft class. Some saw him as a better version of Jake Locker, with the athleticism, pocket poise and arm strength to become an elite quarterback.

Others pointed to his inconsistency as a thrower, poor second-half showings and lack of experience as reasons why it'd be a colossal mistake for any team to take him in the first round. 

The Dolphins grabbed Tannehill eighth overall in hopes that he can easily transition to the pro game under Mike Sherman, his college coach and Miami's new offensive coordinator.

How will Tannehill perform in training camp?

Can he earn the starting job over Matt Moore and David Garrard and contribute from day one? Will he even be given that opportunity? 

There's not much more compelling to fans than a quarterback battle, and we'll definitely get that on this year's Hard Knocks.

This South Beach competition has it all: an incumbent game manager, a wily veteran at the twilight of his career and a polarizing youngster. 

Reggie Bush

When you've got the innate athletic ability, it's easy to be as confident as Reggie Bush. 

He was recently quoted in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel saying "I want the rushing title. This offseason I’ve been working towards that goal."

While Bush hasn't been exactly the dynamic back in the NFL that he was in college. After a career year in 2011 that included 1,086 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, the former USC stud expects himself to take the next step.

Some think Bush is getting ahead of himself, but he's a big-name NFL player that's looking to make a huge stride in his career.

He's apparently one of the hardest workers in the league, and it'll be intriguing watching how Bush prepares for what should be an interesting season for the former No. 2 overall pick. 

There's definitely an intrinsic allure with a guy as supremely talented as Reggie.

It's Miami

One always fun aspect of Hard Knocks is when it gives us a peek into the personalities of players when the helmets and pads are off. 

I don't know how much "nightlife" they'll show—probably not too much—but come on, this is Miami we're talking about.

A few shots of the world-renowned beaches, clubs and bars would add some South Florida flavor to the show.

The Dolphins play in one of most famous summer destinations on the planet—why not give us some South Beach? 

New Coach

Joe Philbin was named the head coach this off-season after his five-year stint as the Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator. 

While he didn't land former Packers quarterback Matt Flynn in free-agency, he and his new OC Mike Sherman have the task of molding Ryan Tannehill. 

We don't know much about Philbin, and that's a good thing.

It's always captivating watching a first-time head coach enthusiastically take the reins of his team and lead meetings, install schemes and discuss his tenets with the coaching staff.

Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas

To some, Lamar Miller was a first- or second-round pick in this year's draft. He fell to the Dolphins in Round 4, and they couldn't pass him up again.

At 21 years old, he's a bit raw, but possesses an explosive burst and violent lateral agility. 

Daniel Thomas was taken in the second round last year and was somewhat successful despite injuring his hamstring at the beginning of the season. He and the Dolphins' coaching staff want to see improvement from the 581 rushing yards and 3.5 yards per carry he had in his rookie campaign.

In a league that's becoming more pass-happy, Miami has a definitive strength in their running game with Bush, Miller and Thomas.

Watching them perform and compete in training camp will certainly draw in viewers.

Enigmatic Situation

No one can quite figure out the Dolphins. 

They went 6-10 last season and struggled on offense. After Chad Henne's devastating and season-ending injury, Matt Moore stepped in and played well, but not outstanding. 

Miami was competitive in many games in 2011 due to their somewhat stingy defense that finished sixth in the NFL, allowing only 19.6 points per game.

You can't forget about the the importance Cameron Wake and Karlos Dansby as legitimate stars on the show.

Can Moore improve? Will David Garrard step in? How about Ryan Tannehill? Can the defense become an elite unit? Who's the No. 1 receiver? How strong will the running game be?

A lot of question marks should lead to great ratings for HBO.

Ryan Tannehill's Wife

Lauren Tannehill.

She's hot. She's blonde. She's Ryan Tannehill's wife. 

A girl made for Miami.

Something tells me HBO will find a way to feature her in August.

Just a guess.