NFL Teams We Hope to See on HBO's "Hard Knocks"

HBO's "Hard Knocks" took the football nation by storm in 2010 when the New York Jets agreed to do the show. It has been on TV since 2001, but only really gained popularity when Jets' coach Rex Ryan opened his mouth.

New York might not be on the show again this year—opening the door for several other teams to let NFL fans get an inside look at the ups and downs of training camp.

With an NFL lockout looming, there's a chance the show won't air at all. But who are some worthy candidates if it does?

The ever-popular Dallas Cowboys? Maybe the Cincinnati Bengals, who can't ever avoid breaking the law, or inconsistency on the field. 

Without further adieu, here are some teams who might entertain us on "Hard Knocks" this offseason...

New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets runs back a kick by the New England Patriots during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Image

The Jets set the table for another chance to be on the show in 2011. 

New York beat the New England Patriots in the 2011 AFC Divisional Round, and Rex Ryan blabbed his mouth with confidence the entire way. In fact, Coach Ryan has already guaranteed a Jets Super Bowl title this season.

Star cornerback Darrelle Revis made things interesting when he didn't show up to camp last year, but yet after his huge contract signing, he underperformed in 2010.

Antonio Cromartie talked smack to the Patriots' Tom Brady all year too—often using Twitter to express his hate for his team's division rivals.

By season's end, much of America was tired of the Jets.

Rex Ryan keeps things interesting, though, since he can't ever avoid the microphone. 

Dallas Cowboys

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CHANTILLY, VA - MARCH 02: Jerry Jones, owner of the NFL football team Dallas Cowboys, exits a car before attending a meeting of NFL owners at a hotel on March 2, 2011 in Chantilly, Virginia. The NFL owners are meeting in Chantilly to discuss negotiations

Jerry Jones embraces his team's popularity, but the Cowboys always find a way to somehow tragically flop. The team has immense talent, but several of these players have egos through the roof—perfect for a TV show!

The Cowboys were on the show in 2002 and 2008, but there are so many more twists and turns for the team in 2011. Tony Romo is coming off a season-ending injury, Miles Austin's had numerous Hollywood girlfriends, and there's a new head coach in Big D.

New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan may not have as big of a mouth as his brother, but he brings the fire to the locker room—we saw it in Cleveland.

Every year is "the year" for Dallas, but it never comes together for them. The players themselves seem distracted much of the time.

There's those famous cheerleaders too. 

Oakland Raiders

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ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 18: Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis speaks during a press conference on January 18, 2011 in Alameda, California. Hue Jackson was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing the fired Tom Cable. (Photo by Justin Sul

Al Davis is widely-regarded as one of the worst current owners in professional football.

Oakland has changed coaches too many times in recent memory, including 2011, as Tom Cable was fired for Hue Jackson.

The Raiders have an interesting quarterback situation with Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski, and star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is a free agent looking for the big pay day from the Raiders.

Oakland's fierce fanbase makes the team more popular, but the team hasn't returned to prominence after dominating in the early 2000's.

Al Davis' miscues make Oakland an intriguing candidate, for sure.

Cincinnati Benglas

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Chad Ochocinco #85 and teammate Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals wait for a play against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Pho

There's complete turmoil in Cincinnati right now.

Carson Palmer has announced his refusal to play for the Bengals again, and he's even put his home on the market.

Inconsistent head coach Marvin Lewis was, for some reason, rewarded a new contract, but some people believe he lost control of the team midway through last season.

Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson made things interesting while playing together last year as "Batman" and "Robin," but Owens is currently a free agent. Chad Johnson makes things interesting all by himself, though—he's changed his name back to Johnson, but continues to rack up celebration fines from the NFL.

The Bengals have been near the top of the league rankings in arrests the past few seasons as well. Nothing attracts viewers more than crime.

Philadelphia Eagles

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Michael Vick's reputation has skyrocketed since returning to the league. Vick is now widely-recognized for his unbelievable comeback to the NFL, and there's plenty of both supporters and haters for No. 7.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson's touchdown theatrics turned several opponents against him last season, but the speedster is so fun to watch. Jackson is cocky when he taunts his way into the end zone, yet his attitude is perfect for television.

Head coach Andy Reid is one of the best around, and NFL fans would get an inside look at his demeanor too. Reid has also been dealing with the legal problems of both his sons.

Philadelphia plays in arguably the toughest division in football—the NFC East—where every team despises the other. The Eagles' swagger would be great to watch.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches his team against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay turned heads last season when they contended for a playoff spot.

Head coach Raheem Morris is the youngest in the league, and has his players believing. Morris called his Bucs "the best team in the NFL" after edging out several fourth quarter victories last season.

Young, but clutch quarterback, Josh Freeman is exciting, as he carried the team on his back for much of the 2010 season.

Nobody can forget second-year RB, LeGarrette Blount, either. He broke out as the starting back for Tampa Bay in 2010, but before finding his place with the Buccaneers, he was dismissed by the Titans for punching a teammate in the face. How ironic.

This team is dangerous, and their young vibe would be fun to watch.

Cleveland Browns

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Browns were a candidate for the show in 2010, but team president Mike Holmgren declined the invitation.

Cleveland deserves a flier because the rest of the NFL fanbase should take a look at a downtrodden football town, thirsty to win.

The team has a potentially great base with young quarterback Colt McCoy, cornerback Joe Haden, and hard-hitting safety T.J. Ward. Cleveland's fans are believed to be the most loyal, because even though the team has had only two winning seasons since their reinstatement into the league in 1999, the stadium is packed every Sunday.

Holmgren has this team going in the right direction for the future, but they play in a very tough division.

Baltimore Ravens

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the New York Jets during the Jets home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaa

The Baltimore Ravens have a certain mean streak to them, with veteran linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs anchoring the team. Head coach John Harbaugh isn't exactly a quiet guy—we've seen quite a few tantrums and blow-ups from him on the sideline.

Baltimore has been longing to climb over the playoff hump against its bitter rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and one will often hear players expressing their hate for the Black and Gold.

The Ravens have an exciting young quarterback in Joe Flacco, who exudes a certain confidence when he takes the field.

This team is hard-nosed, and definitely should be on "Hard Knocks."

Washington Redskins

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

There was Albert Haynesworth's contract drama, then Mike Shanahan's tyranny, and then Donovan McNabb's benching after signing a long-term contract.

The Redskins are another case of a very talented team, but with too many egos. Running back Clinton Portis was recently cut, which puts an end to the days where he showed up dressed in crazy outfits known as his "alter egos."

Nobody knows if Albert Haynesworth will ever want to play hard again. He's sucked millions of dollars out of Washington's front office after signing a 2009 contract that made him the highest payed defensive player ever at the time.

McNabb was thrown around like a rag doll by head coach Mike Shanahan and his son Kyle—benched for back up quarterback Rex Grossman.

Washington needs several renovations to take place, but while they do, why not watch the unraveling on TV?

Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on as the Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Steelers set the standard for hard-nosed defense, and the Rooney family—owners of the franchise—have made Pittsburgh a football juggernaut.

Pittsburgh also has characters like James Harrison, who was fined over $100 thousand for his vicious hits on opponents last year. Receiver Hines Ward is known for his blocking on offense, and loves get dirty.

Several fans around the league like to consider the Steelers the dirtiest team, but I like to think that they enjoy that title. 

Ben Roethlisberger is still trying to repair his image after several sexual harassment instances that led to a suspension as well.

It would be nice, too, to get inside the heads of the crazy men on this defense and their leader, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. Head coach Mike Tomlin runs a terrific team that understands how to win with power.

It's always top gear for the Steelers, who love to be the bad guys.