On the the Jets' final day of training camp, players got a taste of regular season action.

There was heavy rain in Florham Park for almost all of Tuesday's session, and crowd noise was pumped through the speakers during an extensive move-the-ball period as the offense and defense exchanged blows.

QB Justin Fields got things started for the offense during the period, commanding a 14-play scoring drive that began on the unit's own 35-yard line. The offense relied heavily on the run game, with RBs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen getting involved. In the middle of the drive, Fields connected with TE Mason Taylor for a big gain, but the play was called back for offensive pass interference. The unit responded, though, continuing to march down the field and eventually into the red zone. On third-and-goal from the 7-yard line, Fields located WR Garrett Wilson in the middle of the end zone for the score.

The drive was one of the unit's best of training camp, and the long series represented the offensive identity HC Aaron Glenn and OC Tanner Engstrand are trying to create.

"We want to be a tough, physical, violent football team and that's what we want to show on offense," Engstrand said. "And like we talked about earlier in the spring and OTAs, we want that to show up every day."

When Fields and the offense took the field for a second time, the defense responded. CB Brandon Stephens ended training camp the same way he started it -- making big plays and generating turnovers. Stephens intercepted a Fields pass intended for Taylor just three plays into the drive.

"We were in a three-deep," Stephens said of the play. "I saw the seam and man, I just went to go attack the ball honestly."

DC Steve Wilks said of Stephens: "Number one, coming in I loved his leadership. Coming from an organization like the Ravens and the things that he learned there, he has a voice in the room. But when you look at his qualities as a player, his length, his speed, his quickness, he's definitely taken a step in the right direction."

Fields and the offense scored again during the third series. No. 7 connected with WR Arian Smith and Taylor for big gains, while Hall and Allen picked up yards on the ground. The drive ended when Fields was sacked on third down, bringing on the field goal unit for a kick simulation.

Defensive Philosophy: 'It All Starts Up Front'
DC Steve Wilks said Wednesday he is pleased with the status of his unit right now, and he is excited to see his core out on the field, with Jermaine Johnson and Quinnen Williams both returning to practice on Tuesday.

Johnson's long-anticipated return has lived up to expectations in his first two days back on the field. The 2023 Pro Bowler recorded a would-be sack on Tuesday, and he added another two would-be sacks on Wednesday.

"I preach all the time to the defense, everything we do starts up front and those guys are going to be the cow bells of this defense and really trying to spark and get us going," Wilks said of Johnson, Williams and edge Will McDonald IV. "I'm excited about what we are doing thus far."

Jetcetera
The heavy rain played a role in Wednesday's practice, with QB Justin Fields losing two slippery balls and QB Brady Cook also had a ball slip out of his hands. After two missed throws, Fields put gloves on for the remainder of the practice. … RB Isaiah Davis (ankle), DT Byron Cowart (ankle), CB Sauce Gardner (leg) and MLB Jamien Sherwood did not participate in team drills. WR Xavier Gipson fielded some returns but did not take part in team drills.

Backup QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) and WR Allen Lazard (shoulder) remain out. … RB Breece Hall had a huge gain up the left sideline, going 20-plus yards after a handoff from Fields. … Veteran DT Derrick Nnadi deflected a Cook pass at the line of scrimmage and rookie S Malachi Moore came down with an INT for the defense. … In red zone action, QB Adrian Martinez had an impressive off-balance scoring toss to TE Neal Johnson. … The Jets will hold a walk-through Thursday before closing their summer slate vs. the Eagles Friday night at MetLife Stadium.