Joint practices across the NFL have recently seen an uptick in altercations, prompting New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo to take a firm stance on maintaining discipline and focus. As the Patriots gear up for joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mayo has introduced a stringent new rule designed to curtail fighting and promote team cohesion.
A New Directive for Discipline
Under Mayo's directive, any starter who gets involved in a fight during joint practices will face a consequential penalty - they will be required to play the entire preseason game. Non-starters, on the other hand, will see their playing time evaporate as they 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," Mayo stated.
This new policy will be put to the test when the Patriots and Eagles practice together on Tuesday. The joint practice, set to take place in the sweltering August heat, will challenge players' tempers and resolve. Then, on Thursday, the teams will face off at Gillette Stadium as part of Week 2 of the preseason, providing a perfect scenario to gauge the effectiveness of Mayo's rule.
Simulating Real-Game Consequences
Jerod Mayo, who spent eight seasons as a Patriots player before stepping into his coaching role, isn't unfamiliar with the dynamics of joint practices. He appreciated these sessions during his playing days for breaking the monotony of camp and fostering camaraderie among teammates. "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.
Mayo’s new rule is not just about maintaining order; it's also about emulating the consequences players face in real games. "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 mirroring these in-game repercussions during practices, Mayo aims to create an environment where discipline and professionalism are paramount.
Striving for Productivity
Maintaining the productivity of training sessions is pivotal for Mayo. The penalty for fighting is designed to minimize unnecessary altercations that could detract from the team’s preparation and focus. With players from both teams keen on securing their spots on the roster, the stakes during these practices are high. Ensuring that each session is free from disruptions caused by fights is crucial for both individual and team development.
The upcoming joint practice with the Eagles offers not just a test of Mayo's rule but also an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and earn their place on the team. The game against the Eagles on Thursday will serve as a litmus test for how well the directive works in practice and how players respond to the added pressure of maintaining discipline amid intense competition.
As the Patriots continue their preseason journey, it will be interesting to see how Mayo's measures influence both the team's discipline and performance. What’s clear, however, is that the head coach is committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes productivity, discipline, and team cohesion, drawing from his own experiences as a player.