Joint practices across the NFL have been notably turbulent recently, with numerous training fields becoming arenas for player altercations. This trend hasn’t gone unnoticed in Foxborough, where New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has introduced a novel approach to maintaining order.
A New Rule to Curb Fights
As the Patriots gear up for their joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mayo has made it clear that fighting will not be tolerated. Under Mayo's directive, any starter who engages in a fight during joint practices will face an unusual consequence: they will be required to play the entire preseason game. Non-starters, on the other hand, will be benched completely for their transgressions.
“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, emphasizing his no-nonsense approach.
Simulating Real-Game Consequences
Mayo, who spent eight years as a Patriots player before taking on the head coaching role, is no stranger to the dynamics of joint practices. He appreciated these sessions during his playing days for breaking up the monotony of camp and building camaraderie among teammates. His new rule is designed to replicate the consequences players might face in real games, where fights can lead to 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. By implementing this policy, Mayo aims to keep training sessions productive and free from unnecessary altercations.
Preparing for Joint Practices with the Eagles
The Patriots and Eagles will begin their joint practice on Tuesday, facing the August heat as an added challenge. Players from both teams will be keen to demonstrate their skills and secure their spots on the roster during these sessions. For many, it’s an intense period of proving ground that can make or break their season prospects.
Mayo’s perspectives on joint practices remain positive, rooted in his experiences as a player. “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 said. This mutual engagement against a different squad is seen as a refreshing change and a crucial part of preseason preparation.
Upcoming Preseason Game as a Test
The effectiveness of Mayo’s rule will soon be put to the test. The Patriots are scheduled to play the Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Thursday during Week 2 of the preseason. This game will serve as a litmus test for how well Mayo's rule is received and adhered to by the players.
Should Mayo’s approach prove successful, it could set a precedent for other teams facing similar challenges in maintaining discipline during joint practice sessions. Mayo's decision underscores a commitment to instilling discipline, promoting fair play, and ensuring that valuable practice time is used effectively to prepare for the upcoming season.