Joint practices in the NFL have become increasingly popular as teams find it helpful to bring in different looks from different teams before the season starts.
It gives a coaching staff additional opportunities to see what their bubble players can do, as well as areas of opportunity for the starting corps. These practices, while most have gone smoothly, can sometimes come with extra tension and emotions.
On Thursday, the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks held a joint practice, and while no actual fights broke out, there were a few moments when things got heated. One of those moments came between Titans rookie tackle JC Latham and Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
During the scuffle, Latham’s helmet was knocked off and it seemed as if Williams was going to throw a punch before the men were separated by teammates and coaches. The person who grabbed Latham was none other than general manager Ran Carthon, which Latham didn’t even know when it was happening.
JC Latham said he didn't realize Ran Carthon was the one that grabbed him during the dust up in practice. Latham said he didn't see Carthon at first but was surprised by the good grip he had on him. pic.twitter.com/N2F7qy9wXK
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 15, 2024
“I realized that a little late, I’m not gonna lie,” Latham said. “Because at first, when someone grabbed me, I’m not trying to be funny, I’m 6-foot-6 obviously, so when I see someone coming up to here (puts his hand at mid-chest), I’m like, ‘I’m not trying to hear none of this.’
“I’m trying to get him out of the way, you know? I’m really aggravated, and all of the sudden he’s low-key got a good grip on me so I’m like, ‘who’s got a grip on me?’ And I look down and I’m like, okay, let me chill, let me chill.”
Latham has a lot to prove as a rookie and wants to show that he deserves to be out there. His aggressiveness and emotion on this play, plus his restraint in backing off when he was pulled away show that he is ready for the NFL mentally. Now we have to see how it translates on the field this fall.
The Titans and Seahawks face off on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. CDT for preseason Week 2.
