On a blistering morning in Florham Park, the Jets and Giants took the field for the first of back-to-back joint practices ahead of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

"I really like having these joint practices because it breaks up the monotony of going against each other on a daily basis, and really going against a pretty good team that's talented," HC Aaron Glenn said.

As expected, the battle up front took center stage on Tuesday. A talented Jets offensive line faced off with a Giants defensive line that is projected to be among the league's best in 2025, and several intriguing matchups created a valuable challenge for both teams.

"I thought we had an up-and-down day," Glenn said. "There were some things that -- in the passing game -- I thought we did well, but there were some things that we didn't do well. And that's part of the practice, going against a good team. And a really good front also they went against. So, I'm looking forward to seeing the tape, getting to meet with the players and seeing exactly what we improved on. But man, I love these practices. The good thing is it was true, true improvement on both sides for both teams."

During the first team period, tight end Mason Taylor got involved quickly in his first practice back after sustaining a high ankle sprain. QB Justin Fields found Taylor for a short completion over the middle of the field, but Taylor's most impressive play came with QB Adrian Martinezunder center. Martinez threw a deep ball up the left sideline for Taylor, who made a diving catch for a big gain.

Fields' highlight of the first team period was a deep pass to WR Tyler Johnson who made a sideline grab with Giants safety Jevon Holland in coverage. Fields was facing pressure from Giants LB Abdul Carter and may have been sacked in live game action, but the perfectly placed ball and impressive catch between two defenders elicited a loud cheer from the crowd.

"I think Tyler is a great receiver," Fields said. "He's reliable, he's in the right spots. He has hands, he can make great plays. I think last year, he showed what he can do with the ball in hand after the catch. It's great having him out there and great seeing him making plays out there, for sure."

During the second team period, the Giants' defense started to heat up. Fields had a pass batted down, RB Breece Hall was stopped behind the line of scrimmage on a handoff and Fields was likely sacked by Giants edge Brian Burns. During the second run of the drill, Fields and the offense faced intense pressure from Burns again. The two-time Pro Bowler had a tackle for loss of RB Braelon Allen before recording another would-be sack of No. 7.

"You don't go against a front like that on an everyday basis, an every week basis for the most part," Glenn said. "For us to get a chance to actually get tested by those guys, I thought it was good. But we were jockeying for position for the most part."

Fields said of the Giants' pass rush: "They're really good. They have speed on the outside, with Brian on the outside and of course [Dexter Lawrence II], he's been a menace for some years now on the inside. I think they're really good. Abdul [Carter], he's good, too. He can move around a lot. As you can see, they were moving him around to the second level."

Fields said while his unit started strong, it will be important for him to encourage the offense to maintain that intensity throughout practice. The signal caller has welcomed the challenge and is looking forward to another solid session tomorrow in East Rutherford.

"I think we get a lot out of it," Fields said of the joint practices. "We compete. We get to compete against another team. Their defense is elite, their D-line is elite. So, I think it's great work for our O-line, and just competitive. Of course, being smart, but just competing against other guys, other teams and seeing different looks that we might see during the season from other teams. It's great work, for sure."

Justin Fields Sharp in 7-on-7

QB Justin Fields started the day with four consecutive completions during 7-on-7 work, connecting with WR Josh Reynolds, TE Mason Taylor and twice with RB Braelon Allen.

During his second run of the drill, Fields completed three consecutive passes to WR Garrett Wilson before a strong pass over the middle to WR Josh Reynolds was broken up by Giants S Jevon Holland.

QB Adrian Martinez also had a strong showing in 7-on-7, completing three consecutive passes — to WR Arian Smith, WR Jamaal Pritchettand TE Stone Smartt. QB Brady Cook completed three consecutive passes to WR Brandon Smith during his second run of the drill.

Quick Start for the Defense

It didn't take long for Jets DT Jay Tufele to pick up right where he left off in Green Bay. Tufele, who had 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and 2 QB hits in the Jets' 30-10 win over the Packers, overwhelmed a Giants offensive lineman on the second rep of team and was credited with a sack of Russell Wilson. That followed up an impressive rep from DL Micheal Clemons, who didn't fall for Wilson's play-action fake and applied strong pressure while drawing a flag in the process. Then with Wilson in shotgun formation, Clemons got his paw up and registered a PD. On the fourth rep, Will McDonald IV exploded into the backfield and would have had a sack of Wilson.

The most encouraging detail for the defensive line is that the unit has worked recently without DT link-placeholder-0 and DL Jermaine Johnson, who passed his conditioning test and returned to the practice field. The Jets will have a ramp up program for Johnson before he participates in team reps.

"Jemaine, I talk to him every day," said RG Alijah Vera-Tucker. "He's real eager to get back out there and compete with us. He's a competitor. To know that him and Quinnen are coming back with that D-line that has already been working their tails off every day and giving us, the O-line, good work too, that's going to be exciting to watch."

While Giants QB Russell Wilson did have a productive red zone period, the Jets' defense had its way at the outset onset of the workout.

Red Zone Action Closes Out Day 1

Practice ended with a red zone team period, with both the Jets and the Giants taking several shots at the end zone. Giants QB Russell Wilson struck first and found the end zone twice, delivering touchdown passes to TE Theo Johnson and WR Darius Slayton.

QB Justin Fields took reps next and had a highlight-worthy sidearm touchdown pass to TE Jeremy Ruckert. QB Jaxon Dart followed, connecting with WR Zach Pascal for a touchdown. The Jets' offense closed out the day, with RB Kene Nwangwu rushing for a touchdown and QB Adrian Martinez delivering two consecutive touchdown passes to WR Jamaal Pritchett and WR Arian Smith.

Jetcetera

Backup QB Tyrod Taylor recently had a minor arthroscopic procedure on his knee. "We'll see exactly where he is in the next few weeks," HC Aaron Glenn said of Taylor. "I don't think he'll be playing in the preseason but hopefully he'll be ready for Week 1." … WR Allen Lazard sustained a shoulder injury Saturday night against the Packers and is expected to miss two weeks. … TE Mason Taylor (high ankle sprain), LBLG John Simpson (back) and WR-KR Xavier Gipson (shoulder) all returned to practice. …. Rookie QB Brady Cook had his ankle stepped on during practice, but Aaron Glenn thinks the Missouri product will be fine. … Giants star WR Malik Nabers (toe) did not practice. "I'm not going to get into injuries," said Giants HC Brian Daboll. "He's rehabbing, and he's doing everything he can do to get back."