'Hard Knocks' Episode 2 includes off-field fun, highlights more players

The second episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks" this week saw the first nearly 10 minutes have "nothing to do with football,” according to Albert Bainbridge IV of the Bergen RECORD. Mentalist Oz Pearlman visited the Jets in Florham Park and “pulled off some crazy tricks that blew the minds of the entire team and staff at the facility of One Jets Drive.” Pearlman did "not disappoint with a surprise" in QB Aaron Rodgers's "hands to end the segment.” Meanwhile, one of the “most fascinating characters on the entire Jets roster resides on the defensive line," as DT Quinnen Williams “showed his personal side” (Bergen RECORD, 8/16). On Long Island, Joe Manniello wrote Rodgers “still got the most screen time” in Episode 2, but he also “shared the wealth” with Williams, DE Will McDonald IV and QB Zach Wilson. McDonald “stepped into the spotlight” (NEWSDAY, 8/16). In N.Y., Andrew Crane wrote Williams during the first two episodes has become "one of the underrated stars," alongside Rodgers and coach Robert Saleh (N.Y. POST, 8/16).