Competition and physicality ramped up on Monday as the pads came on for the first time during Jets training camp. For HC Aaron Glenn, it was a key next step in establishing the aggressive culture he spoke about throughout the spring.

"You try to create an identity, and you start to figure out who's going to be a part of that identity," Glenn said. … "They all know [the physicality] is part of who we want to be, and the good thing is, they look forward to it. Every one of those guys that's in the locker room looks forward to it and they want it, too. And to me, that's what I'm happy about more than anything."

Wide receiver Xavier Gipson said the team was "fired up" about the emphasis on physicality throughout the spring, but the energy was especially high heading into the first practice with pads. That excitement was on full display as Glenn once again incorporated a 1-on-1 tackling drill -- but this time with live tackling.

"We have to do this," Glenn said. "There's no way I can put you on that field without prepping for these things that I know will happen in the game. You're going to be in a position where you have to elude somebody in space. You're going to be in a position where you have to tackle someone in space. The only way to get better at that is to do it."

Though several players said it has been years since they last participated in similar drills, Glenn said the group has bought into his philosophy.

"The principles of this game will never change -- this game is about running, blocking and tackling," he said. "And if you don't practice that -- me as a head coach, how am I giving our guys a chance to win? The only way to get better at something is to rep it. I'm not saying we're going to tackle every practice. But the thing is, we're going to put ourselves in position to do it, or we're going to do it."

The drill once again featured some intriguing matchups and highlights. CB Sauce Gardner and WR Garrett Wilson faced off first, and a matchup between LB Quincy Williams and RB Breece Hall followed. Marcelino McCrary-Ball made an aggressive stop on WR Malachi Corley (that saw the receiver temporarily lose his helmet), and S Andre Cisco and S Jarius Monroe were more than willing to mix it up with RB Braelon Allen. Allen, who said that physicality is "a part of my game that's already instilled in me," embraced the reps.

"I think you've definitely got to tackle," Allen said. "And I've got to feel getting tackled. I liked it, I enjoyed it. I have to make more people miss than I did today, so that will be the goal going forward. But it was fun for sure."

The offensive and defensive lines also got their first taste of more contact during several drills throughout practice. Quinnen Williams showcased his explosive ability, getting inside on John Simpson on one rep, and rookie Armand Membou continued to gain valuable experience against Will McDonald IV.

Glenn continued to emphasize details and discipline. There were a few penalties during practice that Glenn said must be cleaned up as he once again delivered a clear message -- "undisciplined teams lose games."

"Obviously the first day in pads, a day that we've all been looking forward to," Glenn said. "And like most teams, once you get to that first day, everybody's thinking about the physical part of it. And actually, what goes to the wayside is the discipline and the details. That kind of showed up today, which I expected. But I thought the guys bounced back fairly well as practice started to progress. So, I'm proud of that."

Justin Fields Returns to Team Drills
QB Justin Fields returned to take reps during the first team period of Monday's practice, completing a short pass to Garrett Wilson and connecting with Mason Taylor on a long ball over the middle. He also participated in 7-on-7 work, completing passes to Wilson, Jeremy Ruckert, Isaiah Davis and Taylor.

"He was limited," Glenn said of Fields. "But he was limited the way that we wanted him to be limited. He made some good throws out there. When Justin gets on the field, we're going to let him be who he is. He did some things that he did today that I was very pleased with. But there were also some things that he needs to get better at too, and he knows that. He was out there with us, and every day, I look forward to him maturing and getting better."

Jetcetera
Xavier Gipson, Jamaal Pritchett and Andre Cisco took punt return reps Monday, and Gipson said it has been beneficial to learn from a head coach who has punt return experience. "I watched his highlights," he said of HC Aaron Glenn. … "[He's] just teaching me the small details. I've been getting taught that, but [he's] just actually [teaching me] step by step how to do things."

RBs Braelon Allen (up the middle) and Breece Hall (through a crease between LT Olu Fashanu and LG John Simpson) found openings for chunk gains during the first team period. … Byron Cowart batted down a short pass from Justin Fields on the first team rep … Zaire Barnes had a would-be sack of Tyrod Taylor. … During 7-on-7 work, rookie receiver Arian Smith showed off his speed, creating plenty of space on a sideline toss from Adrian Martinez. … During the final team period, Taylor connected with Tyler Johnson, who made an explosive move to the outside. … Quincy Williams put a big hit on Hall following a grab over the middle. … Rookie center Gus Hartwig left late in practice with a knee injury.