Joint NFL practices have always been highly anticipated, offering teams an opportunity to break the grind of training camp with some fresh competition. However, recent sessions across the league have seen an uptick in altercations. In response, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has implemented a novel approach to curb the fights as his team gears up for joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mayo, an eight-season Patriots veteran before rising to the coaching ranks, has laid down a unique set of rules: starters who engage in fights during joint practices will be required to play the entire preseason game, while non-starters will face the harsh penalty of being benched for the same game entirely.
"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," emphasized Mayo. This zero-tolerance policy not only underscores the importance of discipline, but also simulates real-game consequences, where fights lead to fines or ejections.
The Patriots and Eagles are scheduled to practice together on Tuesday, with the heat of August adding another layer of intensity. These practices are crucial for players vying to secure their spots on the final roster. The temperature and competitive atmosphere will undoubtedly test players’ composure under pressure, making Mayo’s rules even more relevant.
"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 added. By simulating game-like repercussions, Mayo aims to instill a sense of accountability and professionalism. His decision aims to ensure that training is productive and devoid of unnecessary altercations.
Mayo’s perspective on joint practices is informed by his own experience 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 noted. The head coach values the ability of joint practices to break up the monotony of camp and enhance team dynamics.
The upcoming game against the Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, part of Week 2 of the preseason, will serve as the first real test of Mayo’s new rule. This game could potentially spotlight the effectiveness of his approach in maintaining order and discipline during hybrid training sessions.
The stakes are high for players from both teams, as they fight to prove their worth and secure their roster spots. With the added layer of Mayo’s regulations, the practice sessions and preseason game will offer a glimpse into how well the players adapt to maintaining decorum under tough conditions.
Mayo's initiative is poised to leave a mark, not just on the Patriots, but potentially on how other teams might view and handle discipline during joint practices. As the Patriots prepare to host the Eagles, all eyes will be on how effectively Mayo’s strategy curbs confrontations and whether it leads to a more cohesive and focused team.