Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo Introduces Firm Measures to Curb Training Fights
Joint practices are a staple of NFL preseason, offering teams a valuable opportunity to refine their skills against unfamiliar opponents. However, these sessions have been increasingly marred by skirmishes and tensions in recent weeks, posing a challenge for coaches aspiring to maintain a productive atmosphere. One coach stepping up with a proactive approach is New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo.
As the Patriots gear up for a series of joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mayo has instituted a robust new rule aimed at curbing any potential altercations. The directive is straightforward: any starter involved in a fight during the joint practices will be required to play the entirety of the next preseason game. Conversely, non-starters who engage in a fight will be benched for that game.
"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.
The Patriots and Eagles will practice together on Tuesday, facing off under the intense August heat as they strive to impress their coaches and secure their spots on the roster. Following these joint sessions, the two teams are set to clash in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday as part of Week 2 of the preseason.
For Mayo, this approach isn't just about maintaining order during practice. It's a reflection of real-game consequences, where infractions like fighting 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 added.
This new rule marks an interesting chapter in Mayo's relationship with joint practices. A former Patriots linebacker who spent eight seasons with the team before transitioning to head coach, Mayo has always appreciated the value of these sessions. "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 shared.
By mimicking the penalties players face during actual games, Mayo aims to instill a sense of discipline and maintain a high standard of conduct. This strategy is designed to ensure that training sessions remain productive and free from unnecessary distractions, allowing players to focus on honing their skills.
The upcoming practice and game against the Eagles will serve as a litmus test for Mayo's rule. Players will be under scrutiny not just for their performance but for their adherence to the new behavioral standards. The pressure is on for everyone involved, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already highly competitive environment.
It's a pivotal moment for Mayo and his team. If successful, this initiative could set a precedent for how other NFL teams handle similar issues in the future, emphasizing the importance of discipline and professionalism both on and off the field. For now, all eyes will be on the Patriots and Eagles as they navigate these new dynamics in the coming days.