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Broncos Sean Payton Not Worried About Joint Practice Fights with Rams

Ahead of two joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is playing down the possibility of fights breaking out.

As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for their final preseason game, they will do so while holding joint practices with the team they will face on Saturday, the Denver Broncos. This means the Rams and Broncos may become the latest set of teams that have their practice disrupted by a fight. 

The Rams have made headlines for joint practice fights this preseason, as their most recent one occurred with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Yet, even after Rams running back Cam Akers got into it with Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Broncos coach Sean Payton isn't concerned with the possibility of a scuffle breaking out in their set of practices.

“I think Sean [McVay] will do a great job with his team,” Payton told reporters on Tuesday. “My experience—it’s been with the Chargers over the years. It’s been with the Patriots. We’ve had a lot of good work take place without any fighting, so I don’t expect that to be an issue at all.”

What may make Payton feel even better at the possibility of no fights breaking out over the two days is that Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald won't be present, as he is set to remain in Los Angeles as he and his wife are expecting the birth of their child. 

That potential feeling of relief is due to what happened last preseason during a Rams and Cincinnati Bengals practice. The then 31-year-old Donald got involved in a big melee and even ripped a helmet off the head of a Bengals player before swinging it around. 

Yet, as the Rams found out last week, fights can break out anytime and occur between anyone. 


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