Could joint practices eventually replace preseason games in the NFL?
Probably not, but a growing theme around the league seems to be that joint practice sessions are actually more productive than exhibition contests, and Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett explained why he likes them so much:
“It gives you more reps and also gives you different kinds of reps,” said Garrett, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. “Maybe you're going against a different scheme, you've seen some plays or defenses that you haven't seen before. Some stuff in the kicking game that isn't what you do. So those are all really positive experiences.”
Of course, there are some who have decried joint practices, such as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, but there is also a faction that likes them because they are more competitive.
Garrett did say, however, that it's important that the competition does not turn into brawling:
“I do think the teams have to be like-minded in what they want to get to of it,” Jason Garrett said. “You don't want to make it into a fighting session. That's not really the objective of it. You certainly want to make it competitive. You want to go to that line, but you don't want to cross that line.”
There has long been debate as to whether or not the NFL should trim the preseason from four games, and some have questioned if the league even needs exhibition contests at all.
More than likely, preseason games are here to stay, but the growing popularity of joint practices certainly presents an interesting issue. Either way, the Cowboys will be involved and have a say in what's next.
Follow Us
Subscribe