If the Raiders aren't already trying to be on "Hard Knocks", they probably should be

( Ladies and gentleman, the newest member of Vinny Chase's entourage. Lane Kiffin's face is absolutely priceless)

Yeah, I know I'm a couple weeks removed from the "Hard Knocks" season finale, but my lack of HBO until 3 days ago is probably mostly responsible for me being out of the loop. Needless to say, the current season forced me to block off 5 consecutive hours to properly view the Cincinnati Bengals training camp documentary in all it's glory. Besides the pure enjoyment of the quality of the show and the crippling depression that followed the last episode knowing there wouldn't be another until sometime next year, I was left thinking a couple things; 1) it is a distinct possibility that HBO has better sports programming than ESPN and 2) "Hard Knocks" and the Oakland Raiders are a match made in heaven.

I'm not going to lie, I got a small case of the chills just from the thought of Al Davis' team being followed around by cameras 24/7. (another great HBO sports show you probably should be watching) If ever there was a team that needs to have their dysfunction, depth chart battles and obligatory training camp fights (both players and coaches apparently), it's the Raiders. Imagine for a moment the prospect of seeing JaMarcus Russell try to get under 300 pounds before game action. How about the chance to see the beginning of the inevitable epic fail that will be their first round pick that season. Better yet, who's going to be the player that intentionally sandbags it to earn his release, only to resurrect his career somewhere else? Maybe we can see security catch John Madden trying to erase any record of his involvement with the Raiders. Or, what I would exclusively tune in for every week, listen to Al Davis incoherently ramble about the neighborhood kids ruining his lawn before being told he's at the practice field.

I'll clear some space on the shelf for the Emmy now.

At the end of the day, conflict, especially non-scripted conflict, is almost guaranteed television gold. The one thing that was missing from the Bengals' season of "Hard Knocks" was the presence of any real conflict between the players. Even between players fighting for roster space, it was a complete love fest. The closest we got was Roy Williams busting Chad Ochocinco's chops for dropping a few passes in practice. *Yawn*, let's see some hands being thrown! We know (*Jim Rome voice* allegedly) there's at least one person on the Raiders good for that, right coach Cable?