The Patriots are partaking in joint practices in Foxboro with the Washington Commanders this week ahead of the teams' preseason opener on Friday.
Teams frequently host these joint practices before preseason games as a way for the players to get live reps against real competition. Usually, these are just laid-back practices where the players get some work in and maybe banter a little, but it's not rare for tensions to boil over and for scuffles to happen.
On Wednesday , tensions indeed boiled over briefly between the Patriots and Commanders. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and cornerback Marshon Lattimore got tangled up and initiated the scuffle. In order to prevent a full-on fight from occurring, head coach Mike Vrabel jumped into the pile to separate his players. As a result, Vrabel exited the pile with a bloody cheek.
Luckily, no players were ejected, and the fight didn't turn into a big deal. After practice, Drake Maye commented on Vrabel jumping into the pile, and explained how that action embodies the spirit the team is trying to have.
"That's what we're trying to build," Maye said , via a transcript from the team. "I think, and it starts with the coach, starts with the head coach. The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no crap when we're out there on the field. But also, it comes to a time where, with our guys offensively, and getting over there and getting some tussles, and kind of having some penalties, and extra after the whistle can get us in trouble. But for mentality, I like it. I think that's what you want. I mean, I almost got in there, but I think maybe another day, maybe. So, we'll see."
Maye also mentioned that Vrabel joked about having the team go back and review the footage of him in the scrum. Clearly, nobody is taking it too seriously, and the players enjoyed seeing that passion from their head coach.
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