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The New York Jets earned their first victory of the season on Sunday as Sam Darnold rose from his sickbed to put on a vintage performance in leading the Jets to a hard fought win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys. The win improved the Jets’ record to 1-4 on the season and gave Jets fans some much needed hope for what was looking like a lost season. At 1-4 the Jets are still in a deep, deep hole, but one cannot help but be encouraged by what we saw out of the Jets’ young quarterback and his compadres on Sunday. How did the power rankings feel about this win? Let’s find out.
29. New York Jets (Last week: 29)
Week 6 result: Beat Cowboys 24-22
Analysis: Turns out the Jets really needed Sam Darnold.
Up next: vs. Patriots (Monday night)
25. New York Jets (Last week: 31)
It’s not that the Jets are going to be good enough this season for quarterback Sam Darnold to be in the MVP discussion, but there’s absolutely no question as to his value to the Jets. Out since Week 2 with mononucleosis, Darnold returned to the field — and returned to form in a 24-22 win over the reeling Cowboys. Darnold’s 92-yard touchdown pass to Robby Anderson was the NFL’s longest play from scrimmage this season, and he also showed deftness with touch passes and knew how to move in the pocket to extend a play. The Jets’ offense was historically inept without him; with Darnold back in the fold, at least the Jets create opportunities to be competitive.
25. New York Jets (Last Week: 29)
The Jets are not terrible when they have Sam Darnold at QB. That was clear during Sunday’s upset of the Cowboys.
28. New York Jets (Last Week: 30)
Biggest weakness: Running game
It has been nonexistent, even with one of the best running backs in the league, Le’Veon Bell (3.0 yards per carry). The Jets have yet to crack the 100-yard mark in any game, largely due to inconsistent blocking. QB Sam Darnold provided a spark on Sunday, but he won’t be able to carry them against the really good defenses, and they will face one Monday night against the Patriots.
With the obvious proviso that power rankings are stupid, unless they praise the Jets, in which case they’re awesome, what do you think? Where should the Jets rank in the NFL power rankings?