Context is everything. I take his comments as him being pleased with how they applied themselves, particularly in defence vs. the situation he inherited. The performance wasn't by any means a classic but the same situation last season would have likely seen a 20+ point defeat and a host of yellow cards.
I also don't see how we can determine who will be in the relegation battle at all yet as aside from Exeter and Sarries, nobody has shown themselves to be particularly good or awful. 3rd downwards is up for grabs.