Joint practices in the NFL are on the rise. However, with brawls on the field becoming more commonplace, the purpose behind having two teams get together during training camp may be losing its significance.
Overall, 27 NFL teams are participating in joint practices this preseason, while 13 will partake in more than one, according to NFL football operations. With more chances of opposing players wearing a different helmet, it's no surprise that skirmishes are rising. Some are beginning to take notice.
This week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets had a fight-filled joint practice, which may or may not have led to the latter bailing on a second session. On Wednesday, wideout Mike Evans said the Bucs' session with the Jets had "the most" scraps he'd seen over a 10-year NFL career.
"I don't know if it was because we only practiced against them one day or what, but this is the most I've ever seen in a joint practice, and I've had a lot of joint practices in my career," Evans said via Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports.
Billy Turner ready to fight the entire Buccaneers team himself #Jets | @TalkJetsRadio
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 16, 2023
pic.twitter.com/HHUBHafmgi
Meanwhile, two-time Super Bowl champion and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody recently called fighting in joint practices "stupid and a waste of time" while sharing a cautionary tale for today's players about breaking his hand during an on-field spat.
#Browns Joel Bitonio said there were a few cheap shots by the #Eagles both ways in joint practices. Got chippy today pic.twitter.com/GPa7qTdhdK
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 15, 2023
Someone who saw the film of yesterday’s Packers-Patriots joint practice predicted that Green Bay offense would be chippy today after NE was more physical in trenches. Practice has been marred by skirmishes on that side. Has spilled into special teams. Anfernee Jennings ejected.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) August 17, 2023
While most of the NFL has embraced joint practices, some have decided, for one reason or another, to sit them out in 2023, including the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. Some, like Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, have never adopted joint practices, wanting to keep his "secrets" close to the vest.
Logically, the decision to pass on joint practice likely comes down to control. Football comes with inherent risks, whether in a game or practice. Yet, during training camp, coaches manage what happens, for the most part. And while mix-ups happen even between teammates, clubs give up some authority during joint practices, leading to unpredictable events that sometimes get out of hand.
It's easy to argue the benefits of taking on an unfamiliar opponent. However, the real question is whether joint practices still accomplish their goal or if they've become nothing more than babysitting sessions. Ultimately, teams must crack down on extracurricular activities or face the consequences when a player inevitably gets hurt in one of these on-field disagreements.
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