Jets OTAs Notes: Justin Fields settling in, things get chippy in the heat

FLORHAM PARK - The focus is on the offense. Understandably so. The Jets have a new quarterback in Justin Fields. They have a new coordinator in Tanner Engstrand. They're fresh off two of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

They hope it will look different. This offseason program was the first chance to find any indication it will.

The defense, as a result, is flying under the radar. They, too, have new players. They, too, have a new coordinator (Steve Wilks), and are under a defensive-minded head coach (Aaron Glenn). Their identity, or what they want it to be, is also a mystery.

Although slightly less so after the first three weeks of organized team activities.

This Jets defense will be aggressive. This Jets defense will attack. This Jets defense might get knocked down, but they'll get back up and take a few swings themselves. Glenn very clearly wants to bring forth the mentality his Lion defenses played with in Detroit.

Here are a few more takeaways from the Jets' final media-open OTA.

Attendance isn't mandatory

The Jets had 100 percent attendance the first week and into the second. Some notable names missed Tuesday: defensive linemen Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald, Micheal Clemons, along with cornerback Sauce Gardner. Glenn didn't elaborate much after practice other than to stress these are voluntary practices.

It's also important to note Gardner and Williams were at the earlier practices. That's more notable for Gardner, who is looking for a new contract. This isn't a holdout. The Jets will hold their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.

Playmakers

It was a good day for the Jets wideouts, who made several highlight-reel catches. Garrett Wilson's might have been the best. Michael Carter had tight coverage and Fields threw a poor ball. It didn't matter. Wilson jumped over Carter, high-pointed the ball, then kept it away from his body as he came crashing to the grass. Normally you're taught to bring it in, but Carter could have (and likely would have) swatted it away had Wilson attempted. This was a tremendous example of hand strength. Wilson caught a first-team-leading three passes at practice Tuesday.

Xavier Gipson also made a very impressive grab. Tyrod Taylor went his way on fourth-and-14 (situational drills). He lunged forward, tipped the ball, then dove forward again to catch it. Impressive job by Taylor to then sprint down the field, get everyone lined up, and clock it.

Pokey Wilson had a nice sideline catch, too, although this was more of a tremendous throw from Taylor. He put it over the head of a linebacker, before two closing defenders, as Wilson toe-tapped the sideline on a corner route. Incredible touch.

Don't forget the quarterback

This was the second time this offseason I saw Fields. He was much better, likely because the first was in the cold, wind and rain, and this one in beach weather. He finished six-of-six passing in full-team drills. He was five-of-seven in 7-on-7 drills. He did not throw any touchdowns, nor did he have any interceptions. He had one really nice run when he escaped a quick rush and darted around the outside.

The lack-of touchdowns isn't much of a surprise or alarm. The Jets ran no drills within the red zone, nor did they drive the field in any period.

The ball really does fly out of Fields' hand - something receiver Josh Reynolds discussed after practice. He gets it there when he sees it. The key for the Jets is helping develop Fields' mental and processing. Their gamble in him may very well pay off if they can improve that aspect of his game.

Aggression matters

It was the first hot practice and things got chippy. No fights, but twice players needed to be separated. Glenn paused practice after the latter to settle things down.

It wouldn't be a surprise if fights at practice are commonplace come training camp. Glenn's desire for intensity and changing this team's mental makeup is already obvious. It reminds me very much of what the Lions looked like in their joint practices with the Giants last year, where Glenn was the defensive coordinator. They were not dirty, but they didn't take anything from anyone and played with this relentless physicality.

Again: This is good. The Jets have been pushovers for far too long.

Quick hits and tidbits

• There were a couple interceptions on Tuesday. Rookie Malachi Moore got fellow rookie Brady Cook. Rookie Jaylin Simpson got Adrian Martinez on the final play of practice. There were a couple other near picks on deflected passes. The secondary flew around quite a bit.
• It was a pretty good day for tackles Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu. Why? I have just one note about a pressure from the two of them combined. That, without the aid of replay, is the only way you can tell how a tackle did. You notice them when they fail. You don't when they're doing their job. Remember: Linemen are at a disadvantage in these practices in, as Glenn likes to say, underwear. McDonald and Jermaine Johnson not practicing probably played a bit of a role in this.
• Rookie tight end Mason Taylor had back-to-back catches in the 7-on-7 period of practice. The first deep down the seam. He is endearing himself to coaches, particular with his blocking. Glenn pointed that out.
• Adrian Martinez had a wild throw in team drills. He rolled left, pivoted and threw a gorgeous one as he fell off balance to Dymere Miller. Not sure Martinez has much of a chance to make the roster, but that was nice.
• Rashad Weaver had a sack - that was the one pressure noted earlier. He got around Membou early in practice.