Let's hope Rams avoid flaring tempers in joint practice vs Saints

The Los Angeles Rams scheduled joint practices with both the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints this preseason. They managed to escape from the Dallas practice with tempers somewhat under control. They'll have to hope for the same against a feisty bunch of Saints on Thursday.

Dallas and New Orleans have already had a joint practice. Unfortunately, players did not remain level-headed then. Reportedly, more than 10 separate fights broke out in that one-day session. Those fights all but negate the value to players and coaches who put in the effort to hold scripted practices, limiting benefits to both teams.

Fighting in joint scrimmages has been an ever-present phenomenon. It springs from hot temperatures, heated competition, and players desperate to impress the coaching staff as the number of open roster spots shrinks. But as ESPN's Louis Riddick states so succinctly, the whole thing is a blemish on the event.

Rams love joint practices to give starters chance to gear up

The Rams use these sessions to allow starters and key rotational players the opportunity to gear up for the regular season. In 2025, they managed to swap out a cancelled joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers for the Saints.

Fighting only causes delays in getting scripted scenarios onto the football field. In worst-case scenarios, players fighting for a chance to stick on the roster must be ushered away to let things cool down. That only hurts their chances to make the team.

Coaches don't love joint practices. But it's a necessary lesser evil that allows players to experience full contact while limiting the risk of injuries. That requires discipline and keeping emotions in check. For players, the pressure to star can flip an unproductive switch.

The Rams need quality time against New Orleans, and can ill afford to waste time breaking up outbursts. Hopefully the Saints coaches and players feel the same. But we'll see.

As always, thanks for reading.

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