The NFL came down hard on the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, fining both clubs $500,000 after a nasty joint practice earlier this week turned into a string of fights.
The league’s punishment followed Tuesday’s session, when the two teams got tangled up in more than a dozen scuffles, with about half of them escalating into actual fights. Saints coach Kellen Moore said after Thursday’s practice against the Los Angeles Rams that the league was reviewing what happened, and he also made clear he was glad the Saints’ work against the Rams stayed clean.
“Saints coach Kellen Moore confirmed after Thursday’s practice against the Los Angeles Rams that the league was reviewing the matter.”
The heat in Tuesday’s workout wasn’t limited to one side. Saints center Erik McCoy ripped the helmet off a Cowboys defender during one of the more heated exchanges, and wide receiver Brock Reichsteiner later body-slammed a Cowboys cornerback in another incident. Dallas also had players involved, with one Cowboys player punching Saints defensive end Tyree Wilson and Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku getting ejected after throwing a punch.
“The Competition Committee has made sportsmanship - including at joint practices - a point of emphasis over the past several years,” the league said in a statement. “All clubs were reminded by memo prior to training camp of their responsibility in preventing unsportsmanlike behavior at joint practices that has the potential to result in injury.”
Moore, speaking before the fine was announced publicly, said he was relieved Thursday’s joint practice with the Rams stayed free of fights.
In Other News...
Saints Got An Early Warning Against A Serious NFC Contender
The joint practice in Los Angeles offered the Saints an early look at just how sharp the Rams can be when their offense is clicking. Matthew Stafford looked comfortable and efficient, with Davante Adams emerging as a clear problem for New Orleans to sort through, while tight end Terrance Ferguson and receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington also found ways to make plays. Puka Nacua was out, but the rest of the Rams' passing group still gave the Saints plenty to process.
There was some unevenness behind Stafford, with backup quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson both working through rough stretches before settling in a bit, and Bennett appearing slightly ahead of Simpson. On the other side of the ball, Josaiah Stewart made his presence felt as a disruptive defender, while punter Ethan Evans had some accuracy concerns that stood out. For the Saints, it was the kind of practice that can be useful not just because of what was done well, but because it showed where a contender can still expose openings. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Need More From Bryce Lance Than Expected
Bryce Lance did a little more than just take advantage of a busy joint practice against the Rams. The rookie receiver caught all five of his targets and hauled in two touchdown passes from Tyler Shough, a showing that stood out in a session where New Orleans was looking for signs of depth and reliability from its younger pass-catchers. Head coach Kellen Moore singled out Lances contested catches against talented defenders, a notable compliment for a player trying to carve out a larger role early.
The opportunity may be arriving sooner than the Saints expected. With Jordyn Tyson dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for about two months, Lance suddenly looks like someone New Orleans may need to lean on in games, not just in practice. For a rookie, that shifts the conversation from development to responsibility, and it gives the Saints another reason to keep watching whether the flashes he showed against Los Angeles can carry over when the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Fans Will Recognize Plenty In Devin Neals New Number
As the Saints head toward their Sept. 13 opener against the Lions, Devin Neal is already carrying a number that will look familiar to long-time fans. The rookie running back, battling for the third spot in New Orleans backfield, will wear No. 24, a jersey that has had plenty of life in black and gold over the years.
It is a number with a traceable Saints history, worn by 25 other players before Neal. For fans who like connecting new names to old ones, it offers an easy little bridge between eras, especially with training camp roster battles still unfolding and the season opener still just ahead. [Read more 🡒]