Jets climb in latest NFL Power Rankings despite tough loss to Steelers

The New York Jets may have started the season 0-1 after Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled out a late victory, but the fact that the Jets only lost by two points in a 34-32 barnburner while getting an encouraging performance from quarterback Justin Fields takes some of the sting out of this loss.

Even though Aaron Glenn might not be projected to win many games in his first season in charge of the Jets, the fact that his team looked as spirited and competitive as they did against what many believe to be a far superior opponent has to get fans excited about what is to come.

The various NFL power rankings out there in the media landscape have adjusted accordingly, as they are giving the Jets a slight bit more respect than they initially had before their Week 1 duel with Pittsburgh.

NFL Power Rankings have Jets slowly climbing after Week 1

NFL.com: 27th (up 3 spots)

The Jets couldn't rise too far up the rankings, especially when they lost this game in a way that would not have looked out of place under Robert Saleh or Jeff Ulbrich. Glenn needs to clean up those issues if he is to have any shot of turning this team into the winner this fanbase is looking for.

ESPN: 25th (up 3 spots)

The worldwide leader took the time to shout out the performance of rookie right tackle Armand Membou, who kept T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in check during his first NFL action. After Membou earned a PFF grade just shy of 90, it looks like the concern about his preseason showing didn't make it to Week 1.

Sports Illustrated: 25th (up 1 spot)

SI was very complimentary of new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who called a tremendous game in his first showing as a play-caller. Outside of Mike LaFleur, who had the misfortune of trying to make Zach Wilson work, it has been a while since fans have been excited about their OC.

Bleacher Report: 25th (up 3 spots)

As B/R noted, the Jets did not lose this game because of their quarterback. Not only did Fields put together one of the best games of his football life, but running back Breece Hall looked every bit as resurgent as

NFL Spin Zone: 27th (up 2 spots)

While Spin Zone is a bit trepidatious when it comes to praising the Jets, as there could be a Fields regression that ruins all the good mojo, the fact that New York managed to put up 32 points against one of the better defenses in the AFC is certainly a good sign.