Jerod Mayo Implements Strict Anti-Fighting Rule for Joint Practices
Joint practices across the NFL have long been a hotbed for altercations, and the past few weeks have been no exception. As the New England Patriots prepare to practice with the Philadelphia Eagles, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has introduced a new rule to curb the fighting: any starter who engages in a fight during joint practices will be required to play the entire preseason game. Non-starters who fight will be benched for the preseason 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,” said Mayo. His directive comes at a crucial time as the Patriots and Eagles are set to practice together on Tuesday in the sweltering August heat, with a preseason game scheduled at Gillette Stadium on Thursday as part of Week 2 of the preseason.
Jerod Mayo, a former player who spent eight seasons with the Patriots, understands the dynamics of joint practices well. As a player, Mayo enjoyed these sessions as they not only broke up the monotony of camp but also helped build camaraderie. “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 reflected.
Mayo's new rule aims to simulate real-game consequences for fighting, to underscore the severity of such actions. “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 remarked. By imposing these stricter regulations, he hopes that players will approach joint practices with the seriousness and professionalism that real games demand.
The upcoming joint practice and preseason game against the Eagles will serve as a litmus test for Mayo's new rule. Mayo’s decision not only aims at maintaining discipline but also ensures that training remains productive and free from unnecessary altercations. Players from both teams will be striving to secure their spots on the roster, making it crucial that the practices are focused and constructive.
As Tuesday’s joint practice looms, players from the Patriots and Eagles are aware that their actions will have direct consequences. In a high-stakes environment where every moment on the field is an opportunity to impress coaching staffs, the incentive to avoid altercations has never been higher.
Mayo’s strategy is shaping up to be a pivotal component in maintaining order and promoting a culture of accountability. As players gear up for the critical preseason game on Thursday, all eyes will be on how they adhere to the new regulations. The outcome will undoubtedly provide insights into the efficacy of Mayo’s rules and whether they can set a precedent for the rest of the league.
With the Patriots and Eagles ready to face off in both practice and game settings, the emphasis will be on discipline and performance under pressure. Mayo’s aim is clear: train hard, stay disciplined, and bring the same edge to practices as you would to the game. How the players respond to this challenge will be closely watched, potentially shaping the course of their preseason and beyond.