In a recent development regarding joint practices in the NFL, Jerod Mayo, the first-year head coach of the New England Patriots, has taken a strong stance against fighting on the field. He has set forth strict disciplinary measures for any players who engage in altercations during joint practices, particularly with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“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,” Mayo was quoted as saying. “So that’s kind of my mindset with that.”
This stern warning from Mayo reflects his belief that such behavior has no place in the game. “You don’t fight in a real game. If you fight in a real game you get fined, you get kicked out. Same thing here,” he added, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
The implications of Mayo’s disciplinary approach are significant for both starters and backups. Starters typically prefer to get their work in efficiently during preseason games and then rest on the sidelines, while backups strive for more playing time to showcase their abilities and secure spots on the roster. The prospect of having to play an entire preseason game as punishment for fighting is undoubtedly daunting for any player.
Mayo’s strategy appears to be an effective deterrent against the common occurrence of brawls during joint practices. By imposing harsh consequences for such behavior, he aims to maintain discipline and sportsmanship among players, ultimately fostering a more productive and focused training environment.
Overall, Mayo’s decision to crack down on fighting during joint practices sets a clear standard for his team and sends a strong message about the expectations for behavior on the field. As the Patriots continue their preseason preparations, it will be interesting to see how players respond to this new directive from their head coach.