HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2015: Best Texans Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 5

The 2015 version of Hard Knocks took viewers on a journey that featured a quarterback battle between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett, the breakfast habits of J.J. Watt and Vince Wilfork, the constant swearing of head coach Bill O'Brien and the dueling nature that comes with the lightheartedness and pressure-packed stakes of the NFL preseason.

Tuesday's season finale brought it all into focus.    

The tension that naturally comes with looming cuts as rosters are trimmed to 53 hovered over the episode, but the show started on a humorous note. Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle pointed out even O'Brien isn't exempt from paying for his mistakes:

That was followed with one of the most entertaining moments of the season. World Cup champion Carli Lloyd arrived at practice, and rather than just watch, she took the opportunity to show off her elite athleticism in a field-goal competition with none other than defensive lineman Vince Wilfork.

Wilfork more than held his own, and the NFL shared the proof:

It seemed like the players were big fans of Lloyd's, as Smith noted, and she was already itching for another chance:

Things quickly became more serious when potential cut candidates discussed their immediate futures on camera. 

Fans of the show certainly took note of cornerback Charles James II during the montage. He developed into one of the most entertaining characters on the team thanks to moments such as a Madden showdown with Odell Beckham Jr., the "happy socks" he wore to practices and his touchdown run that was called back for holding in the preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Wide receiver Uzoma "E.Z" Nwachukwu, who amused viewers with constant banter and off-field activities such as fishing and playing on the water, also found himself interviewed as a possible cut.

One player who was not in danger of being released was superstar running back Arian Foster. 

Hard Knocks checked in on his rehab from groin surgery, and it was clear he wants to return to the field as soon as possible. O'Brien commented on his running back's status Monday, per the Houston Texans:

Foster boasted 1,246 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns last year. The four-time Pro Bowler is the most proven threat in Houston's offense now that Andre Johnson is in Indianapolis, and the team needs him on the field if it hopes to challenge the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South. 

At least one of Foster's backups thrived during the 21-14 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys that Hard Knocks featured Tuesday. Chris Polk tallied 61 total yards and a touchdown and let out his celebratory food-related phrase in the end zone, as the Texans noted:

The elation from Polk's performance and the fact it was enough to make the team was short-lived, as Tuesday's episode delved into the process of roster cuts. The raw emotion during the interviews between the players and O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith underscored what Hard Knocks is all about, and viewers received an inside look at the tenuous nature of life in professional football.

Both Nwachukwu and James II got the dreaded call. Smith highlighted the problems for both players:

It is easy to get caught up in who wins and loses in the NFL, but Tuesday's episode focused on the personal element of the game. Deepi Sidhu of HoustonTexans.com commented on the cuts:

It wasn't all bad news for some of the players. Nwachukwu signed with the Miami Dolphins, James II joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and Kourtnei Brown signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brown recognized Hard Knocks' role in his ultimate destination, per Joe Kania of Buccaneers.com: "It was new. I think that helped my case, it was a good opportunity. Once you’re playing in a game and making plays, not everybody gets to see it. But when you’re on the TV show Hard Knocks that gets aired, (you get) a lot more publicity than normal.”

While the episode ended on a positive note for some of the roster cuts, it is time for the 53 Texans who made the team to focus on the impending 2015 season.

Hard Knocks highlighted a number of things that must go Houston's way if it plans on catching the Colts in the AFC South. Foster and Jadeveon Clowney must return to full health. Watt has to be the dominant force he was last year (and throughout the show). Wilfork needs to continue matching his off-field personality with impact plays. And Hoyer must settle into his role as starting quarterback.

If all that happens, the postseason is not out of the question for the Texans. They may even have some new fans cheering them on along the way thanks to Hard Knocks.

HBO will re-air the episode Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET.