As the NFL preseason heats up, joint practices between teams have become a breeding ground for fights. To counteract this growing trend, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has introduced a new set of rules aimed at curbing these altercations. With the Patriots preparing to practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mayo's directive is clear: any starter involved in a fight will be required to play the entire preseason game, while non-starters will face benching for the 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," Mayo stated unequivocally, setting the tone for what's expected during these joint sessions.
Preventing Unnecessary Altercations
Joint practices are scheduled between the Patriots and Eagles on Tuesday, followed by a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday as part of Week 2 of the preseason. Mayo's rule underscores a focused effort to avoid disruptions and maintain productivity.
"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 elaborated, emphasizing the importance of mirroring real-game consequences in practice settings. This approach aims to simulate the stakes players face during actual games, where fights result in fines or ejections.
Instilling Discipline and Building Camaraderie
Mayo is no stranger to the dynamics of joint practices. Having spent eight seasons as a player with the Patriots, he has firsthand experience of their benefits. "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," Mayo reflected.
His experience as a player informs his current strategy as a coach, aiming for a balance between maintaining discipline and fostering team unity. By instituting this rule, Mayo aims to ensure that training remains effective while minimizing unnecessary interruptions caused by fights.
A Test of Will and Character
The upcoming joint practice in the intense August heat will test the resolve of players from both teams. Players will be striving to secure their spots on the roster, adding another layer of competition to the session. For Mayo and the Patriots, the game against the Eagles will serve as a critical litmus test for these new rules.
With these measures in place, Mayo is looking to cultivate an environment that mirrors the professional conduct expected during regular season games. The directive is clear and non-negotiable, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and professionalism among players as they prepare for the forthcoming NFL season.