New York Jets: No need to fight Redskins in practice

There was absolutely no need for a fight to break out between the New York Jets and Washington Redskins in their joint practice. It looks bad for both teams.

A fight broke out at the joint practice between the New York Jets and Washington Redskins. According to ESPN’s John Keim, the fight broke out after there was a perceived cheap shot by a Jets player on Redskins offensive tackle Morgan Moses. He ended up on the ground hunched over, and a fight broke out. Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams then shoved a Jets player and it escalated.

I can’t say whether or not the perception of a cheap shot is correct, because I wasn’t there to witness it. So, I will not take any sides in that debate. That said, many expected there to be a fight at this joint practice, given that there were words exchanged prior to this, but the words were aimed at Jets wide receiver Terrelle Pryor.

In fact, according to Keim, Redskins cornerback Josh Norman definitely expected it as the cornerback said the following:

"“You have these joint practices, you expect it to happen. You get guys trying to come out and get some good work. Some guys do things that other guys don’t like. That’s kind of what happens. … Guys don’t like that kind of stuff. They took it in their own hands and I guess melees happen.”"

In the end, it doesn’t matter what preempted the fight which turned into a melee at the joint practice. It’s understandable for temper to flare, but all these guys are professionals, and cooler heads need to prevail.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, this is what Jets head coach Todd Bowles had to say about this.

"We’re not trying to fight them and they’re not trying to fight us. If they want to be boxers and wrestlers, they probably would be in another sport. We’re trying to get better and they’re trying to get better."

In the end, joint practices are meant to serve both teams. They’re meant to give them someone else to practice against to bring practice to a different level. There’s no place in them for fights.