The New York Jets find themselves in a prime position, the kind of situation a veteran team would seize hold of.
Sitting at 3-2 after a surprising road win over the Atlanta Falcons, Rex Ryan's squad -- deemed a joke before the season began -- prepares to host the winless Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I got a memo from the league, and they said we can win two games in a row," Ryan told reporters this week. "I think that's going to be what I talk to our team about."
A fitting war cry considering the Jets under Ryan own just one two-game win streak over the past 24 outings.
Our band of Around the League scribes don't fully buy New York's ascent, but Gang Green's defensive front has shut teams down. The pass coverage post-Darrelle Revis has been spotty, but nobody can run against the Jets. Not with Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson controlling the line of scrimmage.
We're not overreacting to Geno Smith's fine play against the Falcons, but the rookie quarterback's consistency Monday night suggested growth. Besides, he won't be asked to save the world against Pittsburgh.
New York's defense will lead this team, and that's when Ryan eases into his comfort zone. Nothing you've seen on that side of the ball has been a mirage.
The latest "Around the League Podcast" features Daniel Jeremiah and previews every Week 6 game.
