Jets Bounce Back from Season Low Standing, Rise Two Spots in Two Weeks
It's not where the New York Jets wanted to be at this point in the 2023 NFL season, but it could technically be worse.
After reaching a season-low standing (27th overall) in Sports Illustrated's weekly power rankings, the Jets have reversed the downward trend by winning two of their last three games. Their Week 16 victory over Washington bumped the Green & White up one spot to No. 25 overall. The Jets (6-9) sit one place ahead of the rival New York Giants (6-9) and are right behind the No. 24 Chicago Bears (6-9).
Eliminated from postseason contention, and two games left on the schedule, third-year head coach Robert Saleh will lead his team up against the No. 9 Cleveland Browns (10-5) on Thursday night in Week 17 before the season finale at the No. 30 New England Patriots (4-11). The Jets and the Browns are set for a TNF tussle on December 28 at 8:15 pm ET.
"There are a lot of things that we look back at from the season, a lot of things we know we can do a lot better. A lot of things that we have learned from," said Saleh after a 30-28 triumph over Washington. "We have two more games to finish. With ’24 looming, there will be a lot of excitement to go attack this thing again."
Meanwhile, two of the Jets' AFC East rivals currently reside in the Top 10 — No. 4 Miami Dolphins (11-4) and No. 8 Buffalo Bills (9-6). The Jets were swept by Miami but split with Buffalo this season.
From NFL Power Rankings: Ravens Knock 49ers Off Top Spot:
25. New York Jets (6–9)
Last week: win vs. Washington, 30–28
Next week: at Cleveland
Woody Johnson is in his late-Jerry Jones phase, in that he is finally embracing some pragmatism. Keeping Robert Saleh was about more than pacifying Aaron Rodgers; it was about keeping the groundwork of a possible AFC contender in place. Should the offensive line improve this offseason, we’ll be starting at a 10-win season as a basement. Saleh is used to expectations, but he’s earned the right to see it through.
Having reportedly received ownership's endorsement, Saleh is already looking forward to 2024.
"It’s just one of those deals where, obviously I can sit here and give you reasons why I think I’m the right coach," said Saleh. "At the same time, there’s going to be a lot of things that I need to reflect on, acknowledge, and get better at. Not just with myself, but globally. And use this offseason to make sure we’re attacking it in a way that gets us toward the goal that we all believe we can get to, which is a championship."
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