Red zone work took center stage at Jets' training camp practice on Thursday, and the defense was prepared for the challenge. Strong pressure up front was supported by sticky coverage in the defensive backfield, and DC Steve Wilks was encouraged by what he saw from his unit.

"I thought we did a great job today getting our hands on the balls, came away with a couple of interceptions," Wilks said. "Number one, you saw some tips, and that's getting 11 guys running towards the ball. Two, you saw -- I think it was LB Jamien Sherwood -- pop one out in the end zone. So, it's definitely a point of emphasis that we talk about, but also the technique that we teach."

During the first team period, S Tony Adams kicked off the strong defensive performance with an interception on a Justin Fields' pass intended for WR Tyler Johnson. During the second team period, CB Michael Carter II broke up a Fields' pass intended for RB Breece Hall, and S Andre Cisco and CB Brandon Stephens nearly intercepted a Fields ball that deflected off the hands of WR Garrett Wilson.

Up front, the defensive line was disruptive. DL Leonard Taylor IIIand DL Rashad Weavereach had would-be sacks of QB Adrian Martinez. Weaver later added another likely would-be sack of QBTyrod Tayloron a play that ended with an interception by rookie LB Francisco Mauigoa. DL Eric Watts also had an impressive tackle of Hall for a loss.

"Everybody has to earn it, of course," Wilks said of the defensive line competition. "We know Quinnen is there, but those other guys are grinding each day."

While the defense appeared to get the edge during team periods, Wilks credited OC Tanner Engstrand with forcing his unit to think quickly and play fast.

"We talk about it all the time as a defensive staff -- what Tanner is giving us I think is outstanding," he said. "Because it's getting us to think and communicate and talk [about] the things that we see. I thought that communication was good down there. We had one where we didn't really get a peel and we should have, but other than that, we were fine."

Engstrand spoke about how "everything happens a little faster" and is "a little bit tighter" in the red zone, and with that comes increased pressure for the offense, specifically the quarterbacks.

"We're always talking about playing fast with your feet and reading the defense -- in the pass game, at least -- through your feet," Engstrand said. "We've got to be in the right area, the right drop, so that the ball is coming out at the right time. So, we're always working on that."

Engstrand said practicing against a strong Jets' defense with several playmakers will continue to elevate his unit.

"It gives you a good measuring stick, if you will," Engstrand said. "If we can move the ball and have success against our defense, I would think that that would give us some confidence that we could have success against other teams in the league. As they are, this is a good defense over here with good football players, so if we can win a practice, that's pretty good."

Practice also included a 1-on-1 drill that featured several intriguing matchups among defensive backs and receivers. Stephens recorded a pass defense on a ball from Fields to Wilson, and Fields later connected with Wilson for a touchdown despite strong coverage from CB Sauce Gardner. The drill ended with another Wilson-Gardner matchup, and Gardner evened the score with a PD.

Jetcetera
Veteran DT Quinnen Williamsdid not participate in team drills. … Nick Folk, who signed with the club Tuesday and wore No. 18, returned with a perfect round of kicks… First-year K Harrison Mevis had a pair of misses during his round as the post was unkind on two boots… RB Breece Hall got a chunk gain up the middle after taking a handoff from Fields. Two plays later, Hall got free and Fields hit him for an easy score. … WR Brandon Smith, a second-year player from Iowa, had his best practice of camp and got into the end zone during 7-on-7 work on a pass from Tyrod Taylor. … Following a play-action fake, Justin Fields rolled right inside the 10 and found a wide-open TE Mason Taylorfor a TD. … In red zone action, RB Kene Nwangwu had a short scoring run and QB Brady Cook hit FB Andrew Beck for a TD. … DT Leonard Taylor III applied some interior heat on Taylor before the veteran passer threw short to TE Zack Kuntz. … SAndre Cisco ran down Taylor from behind before his end zone attempt was swatted away by CB Qwan'tez Stiggers. LB Quincy Williams stonewalled Hall inside the 10-yard line. ... In 7-on-7 work, Fields hit Garrett Wilson for a score. … Rookie RB Donovan Edwards popped a couple of times with a long run and then a nice sideline catch on a toss from Adrian Martinez. … Kingsley Jonathan applied pressure to Martinez prior to the release. … RB Braelon Allenmissed his second consecutive practice with knee soreness. … The Jets will return to the practice field Friday for an 8:30 a.m. workout. Then the team will hold its annual Green & White practice Saturday at 8:30 a.m.