At Jets training camp on July 29, Aaron Glenn's defense dominated, but QB Justin Fields shined under pressure against Garrett Wilson's unit. See who won the day.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Florham Park was buzzing with the sound of pads popping Tuesday as head coach Aaron Glenn's vision for a tougher, more physical Jets team came into focus. While Glenn declared his defense 'won the day,' it was the resilient performance from quarterback Justin Fields and the offense that left fans with a sense of optimism. In a classic 'iron sharpens iron' practice, both sides of the ball landed heavy blows, painting a picture of a team ready to compete.
The defense 'won the day' with physical play and strong coverage.
From the first whistle, the Jets defense played with an edge. Coach Glenn lauded their physicality and tight coverage, a welcome sight for a team looking to establish a new identity. The secondary was particularly sticky, with defensive back Brandon Stevens making a statement by breaking up a pass intended for superstar Garrett Wilson—no easy feat against a receiver coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons. It was a clear message: nothing will come easy against this unit in 2025.
Despite the defensive dominance, Justin Fields refused to back down. The new QB showcased the dual-threat ability that made him a coveted asset, most notably on a critical fourth-down play where he evaded a collapsing pocket to scramble for a first down. Later, during a red-zone situational period, he showed his poise, connecting with Allen Lazard for a touchdown. These moments of brilliance, even on a day the defense shined, are exactly what the Jets need as Fields builds chemistry with his new weapons.
The biggest news off the field was the official return of a fan favorite. The Jets shored up their special teams by signing veteran kicker Nick Folk, who previously played for the team from 2010-2016. This isn't just a nostalgia signing; Folk has been the NFL's most accurate kicker the past two seasons, boasting an incredible 96% field goal percentage. To make room, Kaden Davis was released. The move sets up a fascinating camp battle between the veteran Folk and rookie Harrison Mevis for the starting job.
Tuesday was a microcosm of what Jets fans can expect under Aaron Glenn: intense competition and daily battles. While the defense currently holds bragging rights, the offense's response, led by Justin Fields' moxie, is a promising sign. As the team continues to install its systems and the kicking competition between veteran Nick Folk and rookie Harrison Mevis heats up, the identity of the 2025 Jets is being forged in the July heat. The next few weeks will be crucial in seeing if these practice victories can translate into wins when the games truly matter.
