Jets Hold Unique Player-Only Practice Following Preseason Loss

New York City – The New York Jets shook things up during practice on Sunday, opting for a unique player-only session just one day after a disappointing 31-12 loss to the New York Giants in their second preseason game. This rare practice was closed to media and assistant coaches, a setup that surprised many team members.

The only individual present on the field was first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. Clarifying the situation, the Jets labeled the session as a “walk-through,” which allowed players to take the reins and lead the practice without the usual oversight. Cornerback Brandon Stephens remarked, “It was personally different for me because I’ve never experienced that, having no coaches out there. It was great for us to lead the groups by ourselves.”

During this hour-long practice, players managed their own drills and play calls. Justin Fields, the Jets’ newly signed quarterback, directed the offense, while linebacker Jamien Sherwood headed the defense. The aim was to foster a sense of ownership among players regarding their roles and responsibilities on the field.

Safety Andre Cisco noted the session’s purpose, emphasizing its focus on understanding coaching strategies better. “It was just player-led from that standpoint. We gathered ourselves, we took ownership of how many reps we were going to get, and then just holding guys accountable,” Cisco explained. He felt the experience was effective in enhancing team unity and execution.

In their loss to the Giants, Fields only saw action in the first two series, completing just one of five passes for four yards. The Jets defense struggled as well, allowing 478 total yards and giving up an average of 7.8 yards per play. Following the game, Coach Glenn expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “We were sloppy, and the guys know that. Overall, in general, it wasn’t good enough.”

As the Jets embark on this new chapter under Glenn’s leadership, they are looking to improve and prepare for their upcoming season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7, 2025. With a two-year, $40 million deal for Fields, the franchise is invested in turning their fortunes around and establishing a strong team foundation.