Joint practices across the NFL have recently been plagued with a series of fights, causing concern among coaches and players alike. In response to this trend, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has implemented a stringent new rule as his team gears up to practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Mayo's new directive, any starting player who engages in a fight during these joint practices will be required to play the entire preseason game. In contrast, non-starters who participate in any altercations will face a complete benching for the preseason contest. "My message to the players: if you get in a fight out here, if you're a starter, you're going to play the whole preseason game. If you're not a starter, you won't play at all. That's kind of my mindset with that," Mayo stated unequivocally.
This proactive approach is designed to mimic the real-game consequences players might face for fighting, such as fines or ejections. "Look, you don't fight in a real game. If you fight in a real game, you get fined; you get kicked out. It's the same thing here," Mayo explained. His rule aims to ensure that training remains productive and devoid of unnecessary altercations.
The Patriots and Eagles are set to practice together on Tuesday, with the preseason game scheduled at Gillette Stadium on Thursday as part of Week 2 of the preseason. The joint practice will occur under the sweltering August heat, adding another layer of challenge and intensity for the players from both teams striving to secure their spots on the roster.
Jerod Mayo's familiarity with joint practices stems from his eight seasons as a Patriots player before he took up the coaching mantle. As a player, Mayo appreciated joint sessions for breaking the monotony of training camp and fostering team camaraderie. "It really helps you build that camaraderie amongst the group because out here, when you're going against each other, it gets a little stale sometimes. It's always good to go against another team," he recalled.
By imposing strict penalties for fighting, Mayo hopes to keep the focus on skill development and cohesive team building. The real test for Mayo's rule will come during the game against the Eagles, providing an early indicator of its effectiveness in curbing on-field conflicts and promoting a disciplined training environment.
As both teams prepare for the joint practice and subsequent preseason matchup, all eyes will be on how players adjust to these new ground rules. With roster spots on the line and the heat adding to the stress, Mayo's policy will be tested in real time. The upcoming week promises to showcase not just the physical prowess but also the mental discipline of the Patriots and the Eagles.