The NFL preseason continues to ramp up, and with it, joint practices between teams have become increasingly popular. However, these sessions have also been marred by frequent fighting among players, prompting some coaches to take corrective action. One such coach is New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, who has been proactive in addressing the issue as his team gears up for joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles.
A New Rule to Curb Fighting
Jerod Mayo has introduced a stringent new rule aimed at deterring players from engaging in fights during these joint sessions. "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 explained. This new directive is clear: any starter who fights will face the grueling task of playing the entirety of the preseason game, while non-starters will sit out the game entirely.
Mayo’s decision to enforce this rule comes as the Patriots prepare for a joint practice session with the Eagles. These sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, with the two teams subsequently facing off at Gillette Stadium on Thursday as part of Week 2 of the preseason. The measure is designed to instill a sense of discipline and simulate the real-game consequences of fighting, where players can face significant repercussions such as fines or ejections.
Breaking the Monotony
Having spent eight seasons as a player with the Patriots before transitioning to his role as head coach, Mayo has a unique perspective on the benefits of joint practices. "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. While he enjoyed these practices as a player for the respite they provided from the monotony of camp, his current focus is on maintaining productivity and minimizing unnecessary altercations.
Heat and High Stakes
The upcoming joint practice will take place in the sweltering August heat, adding another layer of difficulty for the players. With roster spots on the line, the competitive intensity is expected to be high. Mayo’s rule will act as a litmus test for how effectively he can manage his team’s conduct and focus during these high-pressure situations.
The practical implications of Mayo’s rule will become clearer during and after Tuesday’s practice against the Eagles. The repercussions for players who disregard the directive will be immediate and impactful, underscoring Mayo’s commitment to discipline and teamwork.
Reflecting on the need for such stringent measures, Mayo said, "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." By closely mirroring real-game consequences, Mayo hopes to impart valuable lessons that will serve his players well beyond the preseason.
As the Patriots head into their joint practice with the Eagles, all eyes will be on how effectively Mayo's rule can curb the trend of fighting that has plagued recent NFL joint practices. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for other teams looking to foster a more disciplined and cohesive training environment.
With tensions running high and the heat of August bearing down, Mayo's no-nonsense approach aims to ensure that the joint practices are as beneficial and conflict-free as possible. Whether this rule will have the desired effect remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: in the world of professional football, discipline and focus are invaluable assets, and Jerod Mayo is determined to see his team exemplify both.