Overview
- Eagles and Patriots joint practices, which grew increasingly physical Thursday, featured multiple scrums, shoving after whistles and moments that required coaches to step in.
- Saquon Barkley told reporters he hates joint practices, said he prefers one day, and called the extra pushing and shoving "immature" and often unproductive.
- Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio defended the meetings as a strong coaching tool that produces unscouted looks and helps test schemes and players.
- Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata said the excess physicality hurt execution and called for "less boxing and more football," and coaches had to calm players after a few heated incidents.
- The week’s intensity follows a separate Cowboys–Saints fight that drew a $500,000 fine from the NFL and leaves both teams' practice tape likely to shape Saturday’s preseason roster decisions and any league scrutiny.