BY NICK ST. DENIS
ESPN had the New York Jets as the 32nd-best team in its preseason power rankings, and Gang Green's position on most other major websites wasn't much better.
In the wake of an 18-17 season-opening victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ryan was asked Monday about how he feels standing in front of his squad at 1-0 after being tabbed by some as the NFL's worst team the week before.
"Maybe we'll be 31st this week," Ryan fired back, "and we'll just keep moving our way up."
The Jets are coming off what some would call an improbable win. Not me, of course.
New York was stellar defensively and saw its rookie signal-caller Geno Smith rise to the occasion with virtually no run game and plenty of interference from Tampa Bay pass rushers. Nick Folk booted a 48-yard field goal with just a few seconds remaining to cap off the victory.
With that, the Jets may move up the scale on some power rankings. But not their own.
"We never ranked ourselves 32nd," Ryan said. "We're a confident football team."
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