As training camp heads into its second week across the league, tensions are rising, and scuffles are starting to break out as players grow weary of facing their own teammates and are eager to face opponents from other teams.
At the New England Patriots’ training camp, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo has already witnessed a fight involving young linebacker Josh Uche earlier this week. Uche was reportedly expelled from practice after an altercation with offensive lineman Chukwuma Okafor.
Unfortunately, another skirmish erupted at the Patriots’ practice on Thursday, this time involving players from both the offense and defense.
According to Zach Cox of NESN, a minor altercation occurred during goal-line 11-on-11 drills between veteran tight end Hunter Henry and linebacker Anfernee Jennings. Cox noted that coaches intervened to break up the confrontation, but fortunately, no players were ejected.
While you never want to see teammates fighting, it’s almost inevitable when they compete against each other in the summer heat. However, it’s a positive sign that Mayo didn’t have to eject anyone from practice, indicating the team learned from the earlier incident this week.
The Patriots have just one week of training camp practices left before facing the Carolina Panthers in their first preseason game. By then, they’ll be eager to compete against a different team and showcase their skills.
The first preseason game will be a significant challenge for Mayo, who has been making all the right moves during the offseason and training camp to establish a new ethos in New England.
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