Preseason joint practices, now used by 28 of the league’s 32 teams, have become a flashpoint for on‑field violence. While the sessions are intended to give starters valuable repetitions against real opponents, recent incidents show that the lack of game‑day guardrails can quickly turn competitive drills into fights.
High‑profile incidents
During a joint practice between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Jameis Winston was at the center of a physical altercation that escalated into a full‑scale brawl. Similar unrest erupted in a Tuesday session involving the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints, prompting the NFL to levy $500,000 fines on each club.
Last week, the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans saw two players from each side ejected after a series of skirmishes. In Philadelphia, the Eagles’ joint practice with the New England Patriots produced a minor scuffle that drew a candid comment from running back Saquon Barkley, who said, “I hate joint practices, to be honest. More times than not nothing good comes out of it.”
Coaches weigh in
Giants coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the unique environment of joint drills, noting, “It’s not a game, so you don’t have the same guardrails on it… If someone perceives another crossing the line, someone needs to protect someone.” He added that any player who throws a punch will be treated as if it occurred in a regular game.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio emphasized discipline, stating, “We don’t tolerate it. We have 180 teammates in camp, not 90. We’re here to get better, not to fight.”
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker expressed a balanced view, appreciating the competitive benefit while warning that fights often stem from breaches of etiquette or contact with quarterbacks. “Quarterbacks are the most important position in football. Losing a quarterback in practice against another team—that’s something where fights will definitely happen,” he said.
League response and penalties
The NFL’s disciplinary approach includes fines and the possibility of removing players from upcoming preseason games as punishment. Browns coach Todd Monken said his team warns players that throwing punches can result in being tossed out of practice and possibly missing a game.
Overall, the league appears to be walking a fine line: preserving the competitive edge of joint practices while trying to curb the violent incidents that have begun to attract public scrutiny.
What this means for fans
For supporters, the fights underscore the intensity of NFL preparation and the high stakes for roster spots. Yet the incidents also raise questions about player safety and the responsibility of teams to maintain a professional environment during preseason drills.
As the preseason progresses, teams will likely continue to fine‑tune their approach to joint practices, balancing the need for realistic competition with the league’s commitment to player conduct.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
