New York Jets owner Woody Johnson believes that his side are "steadily improving" despite their heavy defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals last week.

The Jets have started rookie quarterback Geno Smith this season and he has guided his team to a 4-4 start even with limited weapons around him.

"We have a very young team," Johnson told the New York Daily News. "I think it's the third-youngest team in the NFL and it's not an excuse.

"You're going to have games like that with a young quarterback and young team — seven new players on defense — so it's going to take them a while to coalesce.

"But they're improving rapidly, and I think the coaches are very happy with the progress."

Rex Ryan's side face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.