Mac Jones and the New England Patriots yielded to their training while Carolina Panthers joined them in Foxborough. While joint camps are an exciting display, tensions seem to be intense in Boston. The collective camps opened with a big roar — But not in a good way. Fans watching the practice saw the two teams get in a physical brawl on the training pitch.
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The joint training camp came in as Patriots and Panthers are battling each other in a Week-3 preseason game on Saturday. Training camp brawls are not a new phenomenon, as the energy is rumbling among the athletes. Readers might recall the fray in the Buffalo Bills’ training. But the Patriots-Panthers joint practice did not have one, but multiple physical altercations.
It is getting hot in Foxborough!
According to Simon Charles, one brawl began when Mac Jones approached Brian Burns following a long touchdown pass to Tyquan Thronton. He said, “Hold my nuts, little B*tch,” resulting in a massive fistfight at the joint camp. Burns then shoved Jones, prompting punches from Kendrick Bourne and others protecting the QB1.
Mac Jones just went up to Brian Burns following a long touchdown pass to Tyquan Thronton and said, “Hold my nuts little B*tch” which lead to a massive BRAWL here at #Patriots camp.
Burns then pushed Jones over leading to punches thrown by Kendrick Bourne and others defending QB1
— Simon Charles (@S_CharlesNFL) August 16, 2022
Moreover, as per Tom E. Curran, another brawl began after Pats’ wideout Kristian Wilkerson completed a grab next to the Carolina sideline. The Panthers got upset with some trash talking between the two, and things got out of hand. New England’s offense came across the field to join that created mayhem.
A video by a Twitter user shows an angle of the brawl at the Patriots’ practice field outside of Gillette Stadium.
2 fights in 5 minutes at Patriots Training Camp with Panthers pic.twitter.com/QQPD4tW1Z6
— fideetopera (@fideetopera) August 16, 2022
ESPN’s Mike Reiss adds that Kendrick Bourne, Kristian Wilkerson, and Carolina DB Kenny Robinson were all turfed from practice for conflict. Naturally, Bill Belichick was vexed that these confrontations were interfering with practice. Soon after the altercation, Pats center James Ferentz and Panthers DT Phil Hoskins were dispersed from practice for fighting after the whistle. Reports mention that “It appeared Hoskins slammed Ferentz to the ground.”
Mac Jones and the Patriots put up a good game
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Despite the spicy beginning to a two-day joint camp, Mac Jones and the Patriots put up a good display. As per USA Today Sports, Mac Jones performed admirably. It wasn’t flawless for the offense, but the Patriots QB finished 21 of 30 pass attempts and threw an interception. Jones accomplished 6-of-9 throws in 7-on-7s.
ICYMI: My observations from the Patriots' first joint practice with the Carolina Panthers. @985TheSportsHub https://t.co/iRtEmcgxRQ
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) August 17, 2022
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WR DeVante Parker made the day’s best play. He leaped over Panthers CB Donte Jackson to catch Jones’ deep ball of 30 yards. The Patriots are showing up with good energy that could certainly shut all the concerns.
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