Ryan and the Falcons would make for an interesting choice on HBO's 2012 "Hard Knocks." (Getty Images)

Because of the 2011 lockout, America's had to hold off it's collective hunger for HBO's "Hard Knocks" with Rex Ryan and his snack machine. But we'll be getting a new team for 2012's version of "Hard Knocks" soon, and the Atlanta Falcons have reportedly been offered the lead role in the production.

That's according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, who reports that the Falcons "have been offered the starring role in this season's version" of the behind-the-scenes NFL show.

Atlanta's an interesting option for the show, because they're probably perceived nationally as "meh." (Feel free to tell me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that any sports team out of Atlanta really fascinates the national media/sports world.)

However, they'd make for fun television viewing, and have a good storyline. For starters, they just made widespread changes on their coaching staff, adding Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator and Dirk Koetter as the offensive coordinator. Players adjusting to coaches is always fun.

They've got a coach in Mike Smith and a general manager in Thomas Dimitroff who are incredibly nice guys that deserve some more camera time. Additionally, both of them are pretty forward thinking in term of football strategy, and it would make for some fascinating behind-the-scenes action.

And there are a lot of talented player on this roster as well: Matt Ryan at quarterback, the often-outspoken (especially on Twitter) wideout Roddy White and a feature back that could be battling for carries in Michael Turner. Put another way, people may want to know how much he has left in the tank heading into 2012.

Sean Weatherspoon is a character on the defense and prepped for a breakout. And, frankly, I'd sit around and watch Julio Jones make catches in practice for an hour each week. The dude is a freak of nature.

And, of course, the Falcons are in a division where things are drastically changing in 2012: the Buccaneers went out and made it rain in free agency, the Panthers should improve from last year, and the Saints are neck-deep in a bounty scandal and don't even know who will coach the team in 2012.

If Atlanta takes the offer from HBO, it would be a sneaky good get for both HBO, and an Atlanta sports team that could use some legit national media coverage.

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