Wednesday, November 3, 2021

New York Jets Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New York Jets rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 27.8 (28th)
  • Best ranking: 27th (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 28th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Jets in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

Biggest Achilles' heel: Quarterback inexperience

It might seem like an odd time to single this out, considering Mike White just passed for 405 yards and three touchdowns, but it doesn't change the fact that White and Zach Wilson have only seven combined starts in their careers. The Jets have a league-high 13 interceptions, in large part because of their inexperience. There will be good days and bad days, depending on the quality of the opponent and style of defense. There's nothing the Jets can do to change it; they just have to ride this out, hoping it pays long-term dividends. -- Rich Cimini

NFL.com -- Rank: 27

You have to go back years to find the last truly feel-good Jets win. There were a few during the Fitzmagic season of 2015, and it's been six years of almost relentless darkness since. Which is what made Sunday's performance by Mike White all the more sweet for beleaguered Gang Green supporters. White carved up the Bengals in a dramatic 34-31 win at MetLife Stadium, throwing for three TDs and becoming the first Jets quarterback in more than 20 years to pass for 400 yards in a game. After the win, Robert Saleh kept the door open for White to continue as starter even after Zach Wilson recovers from a knee injury. Said the coach: "We'll go day-to-day, but anything is possible, right? Anything is possible."

CBS Sports -- Rank: 28

Mike White was outstanding in beating the Bengals. That's a good thing, but what's it say about the way Zach Wilson was playing?

USA Today -- Rank: 28

Count us among among those who owe QB Mike White an apology after assessing him among the league's worst backups. The question now is: How long will he remain among the league's starters?

The Athletic -- Rank: 28

How's the head coach? Mike White gave the Jets, and first-year coach Robert Saleh, a desperately needed jolt. Nothing has been easy thus far for Saleh, and what comes next won't be, either. A short week to get ready for a Thursday night game at Indianapolis in the immediate term, and then perhaps a decision about what to do when Zach Wilson is healthy enough to return: Stick with White, try the newly signed Joe Flacco or go back to your rookie first-round pick who has struggled?

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