Hard Knocks Jets Episode 4: Did We Need to See Rex Ryan in a Hot Tub?

Whether you're a die-hard Jets fan or you have Tom Brady-like hate in your blood, there is no denying that HBO's Hard Knocks makes for some very interesting television.

Last week, we learned that Mark Sanchez embraces his Hispanic heritage by sharing his love for Mexican food. He told teammates that he learned the Spanish language by reading menus at Mexican restaurants. Good to see that you're representing your culture, Mark.

Episode four was just as compelling. For those of you who don't have HBO, fear not!

Here we have the top ten takeaways from episode four of Hard Knocks.

10. Mark Sanchez is the Jets' Best Bet

Even though there have been questions by both players and coaches about Sanchez's leadership abilities, the Jets need to get behind their best shot at a winning quarterback.

With Mark Brunell as Sanchez's backup, Kellen Clemens agreed to take a pay cut in order to stay on as the Jets' third-string option.

Clemens said, "I don’t want to be overpaid as much as I don’t want to be underpaid… Do I set myself up as a guy who gets pushed over?"

It looks like Sanchez needs to be more assertive in order to gain the respect of the rest of the team. He has potential. Now he needs to live up to it.

9. Rex Ryan Wants to Have Fun

Even though training camps can be tough (demonstrated by the countless F-bombs dropped by coaches), Rex Ryan assured his team that it is possible to have fun during the difficult process.

But there is a "difference between having fun and being a jackass."

Anyone who has ever played a team sport has experienced the hazing and extracurricular antics that go on between teammates. While team bonding is encouraged, Ryan wants to make sure his players maintain focus.

8. Flat Running Backs

Running backs coach, Anthony Lynn, showed his frustration with his squad as he called their game "flat."

He also pointed out that there is enough experience between them that they should have realized this by now and that it should have already been corrected.

Especially with "oldie but goody," LaDanian Tomlinson now wearing green, the Jets' running backs should know when it's time to step it up.

7. Mark Sanchez is Mature

Mark Sanchez showed up without a binder for his playbook (a must for all quarterbacks) and was made fun of for doing so.

Of course, Sanchez decided to take the high road by changing the desktop picture on Schotty's computer to some sort of rainbow-generating unicorn.

He also decided that Schotty's framed photos of his children needed a little updating, so he added mustaches to the kids' faces.

That Mark Sanchez. He's a clever one.

6. Guard Position Battle

Matt Slauson and Vladimir Ducasse battle it out for the guard position this episode, and it looks like Slauson has the advantage.

This became very apparent when Ducasse missed several blocks during preseason games, resulting in Mark Sanchez being sacked.

Mike Tannenbaum's question, "Is Ducasse that bad?" seems to have been answered.

5. Nick Mangold Signed Contract

Mangold was met with celebration from fellow teammates and coaches after signing his contract, but Rex Ryan is a little worried about Nick getting too comfortable.

Nick Mangold's love affair with Taco Bell became very apparent this episode, and Ryan was concerned about it.

Glass houses, Rex.

4. Jets' Defense Loves Cheeseburgers

This episode, we were able to witness a passionate speech by Rex Ryan in which he called out the team's defense for bringing cheeseburgers and eating them on the sidelines of practice.

Rex, your speech may have been a little more effective if you hadn't ended it with, "let's go eat a god d*** snack!"

Just a thought.

3. Laveranues Coles Might be Back?

Even though Coles has shown promise during training camp, and even though coaches, players, and fans love the guy, the Jets decided to cut him during camp with the intention of bringing him back later.

Coles made a classy exit by saying, "If anyone understands, I understand. I’m just a thankful I got a chance to walk through the doors."

Rex Ryan told Cole, "Everyone has so much respect for you, including me. Enjoy your little vacation, come back ready."

2. Darrelle Revis Situation

During this episode, Tanny is perplexed as to how ESPN and other media outlets are getting these false reports about the Darrelle Revis holdout.

Mike Pettine even says regarding Tim Cowlishaw's Twitter comments, "Does he know something I don't?"

1. Rex Ryan in a Hot Tub?

Perhaps the most exciting part of this week's Hard Knocks episode is the promise of Rex Ryan in a hot tub.

I think I speak for sports fans everywhere when I say, "I can hardly wait."