The New York Jets beat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. It was their second win of the season and second straight win over a playoff contender. The Jets dominated the game on both sides of the ball early, then withstood a Cleveland rally to squeak out a close one. The suddenly streaking Jets have looked like a different team in the second half of the season, and now have a chance to end the season on a high note if they can defeat a stumbling Patriots team next Sunday.
The late improvement in the Jets has not gone unnoticed. The Jets continue to move up in this week’s power rankings, as the Jets leave the cellar behind.
29) New York Jets (2-13)
Cleveland was very short on receivers, but say what you want – the Jets are certainly improving as the year has progressed. New York took a 13-3 lead into halftime against the Browns, and their offense had a nice blend of running and passing. Maybe most importantly, the Jets were plus two in turnover differential and shut down the Browns’ excellent running game.
28. New York Jets (2-13)
Last week: Win vs. Cleveland 23–16
Next week: at New England
This is the season for spoilers, so good on the Jets for knocking potentially playoff-bound opponents into postseason limbo each of the last two weeks.
31. Jets (2-13) (31)
Win or lose this week, the Jets are locked in as the No. 2-overall pick in the 2021 draft. They may as well try to add to the misery of Belichick’s first losing season since his initial year with the Patriots (5-11 in 2000). Next: Sunday at New England
31. New York Jets 2-13 (31)
Adam Gase is also coaching the Jets better but the Rams and Browns wins now make us wonder whether the Jets were overachieving with him all season for most of the season. Either way, he can’t stay, can he?
The Jets late surge cost the Jets the 1st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which is not ideal. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see the team making a little progress in the last half of the season.
What do you think? Where should the Jets rank in the NFL power rankings?