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It looks like the Colts missed a golden opportunity to help reignite the fanbase. Mike Chappell reported over the weekend that Indy had told HBO's Hard Knocks 'thanks for offer, but no thanks.' Today, Miami coach Joe Philbin told reporters that HBO's football show chronicling an NFL team during preseason will focus on the Dolphins.
Interestingly, just like the Colts, the Dolphins have a new head coach (Philbin) and a new franchise quarterback in Ryan Tannehill. Also like the Colts, the Dolphins are struggling to reconnect with fans. Though, to be fair to Miami fans, there hasn't been much to cheer for since Dan Marino retired in 1999.
The Colts would have been a more compelling story for Hard Knocks had team ownership not been so seemingly close-minded about allowing them in. It's important for fans to know who Andrew Luck is; who new head coach Chuck Pagano is. Local TV station interviews, profiles in newspapers like the Indianapolis Star, and silly little video clips on Colts.com don't do that.
Too scripted. Too phoney.
It would have helped this franchise to see a young, new, exciting team profiled, warts and all. Oh well.