ESPN's Adam Schefter is confirming the rumor that surfaced Wednesday regarding HBO's intrest in the Atlanta Falcons for its annual "Hard Knocks" reality program:
Atlanta Falcons have been offered the starring role in this season's version of Hard Knocks. Team not usually announced until May.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2012
"Hard Knocks" features a four-episode look into a NFL franchise during training camp, usually focusing on the team's moves to create roster space and any off-field storylines. While the program is highly insightful and offers a ton of behind-the-scenes access, it didn't make national headlines until 2010, when the program profiled the New York Jets and coach Rex Ryan, as well as the contract holdout of cornerback Darrelle Revis.
At the moment, the Falcons enter the 2012 season without a Revis-type storyline or an over-the-top character like Ryan. Likely storylines could be head coach Mike Smith's much-maligned 4th-and-1 calls against New Orleans and in the playoffs at New York, as well as the adjustment of the team under a new offensive and defensive coordinator.
For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and SB Nation's NFL page.