When two NFL teams meet for joint practices in the dog days of August, tempers are sure to erupt at some time.
Monday’s Giants-Detroit Lions practice was no exception.
Early in Monday’s training session, the first of two between the teams before Thursday’s preseason game at MetLife Stadium, the Giants defense got into a scramble with the Lions’ offense.
Here’s a look:
“It’s simply camp. “That’s just a hot day,” remarked Brian Burns, who was engaged in the incident. “Tempers flare when it’s hot, you’re exhausted, and people are hitting you. So here’s what happens.
Then, roughly 25 minutes later, another altercation erupted while the Giants’ offense was on the field.
According to SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes, the brawl started one play after Daniel Jones had the ball knocked out of his hands.
Jones was right in there in the middle of the action before a member of the Giants staff ushered him away.
Here’s a look:
“A situation happens like that, you try to stand up for your guys, but I thought it was a good competitive practice all day today,” Jones claimed. “We made some plays and accomplished some good things. There are definitely areas where we need to improve, but we have a terrific energy and competitive attitude today.”
Jones, who is usually quite mild-mannered, stunned some of his colleagues by joining in on the fight.
“Did Daniel get jiggy with it?” Was Daniel out there with it? Burns laughed as he replied, “I’m going to need him to back up, and let his O-iine handle it.” “No, Daniel is a competitor, man.” He’s a fighter, so I’m not expecting anything less from him. But I don’t need him in there, and I don’t want him to get hit. Keep him healthy.”
And just for good measure, there was a third fight later in the session when the Giants’ third-string offense was on the field.
