Fansided

2021 NFL power rankings, Week 7: Cardinals rumble, Chargers humbled

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stiff arms Kyzir White #44 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 17: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stiff arms Kyzir White #44 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 17: Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers runs out of the pocket against Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 17: Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers runs out of the pocket against Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

team. 87. . 3-3. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 21

Losers of two straight games after a 3-0 start, the Panthers hosted the Vikings. And Carolina’s defense has zero answers for Minnesota’s attack as the visitors amassed 571 yards in four-plus quarters.

It was a rough outing for Sam Darnold, who hit on just 17 of his 41 throws, was sacked four times and committed two turnovers. But he did rally his team from a 28-17 fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime. The offense was limited to 306 total yards.

. 2-4. Previous: . New England Patriots. 20. team. 47

The Patriots looked to make it two wins in a row for the first time this season as they welcomed the explosive Cowboys to Foxborough. Damien Harris ran for 101 yards and a score and rookie quarterback Mac Jones threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns.

But he also committed a pair of turnovers, including throwing a pick six in the fourth quarter. He also found Kendrick Bourne for a 75-yard score but the Pats’ defense gave up 567 total yards.

team. 45. . 3-3. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 19

Following consecutive losses to the Ravens and Steelers, Vic Fangio’s team was back at home and took on the Silver and Black. Denver’s defense had its issues – allowing 426 total yards and four offensive TDs – as did starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

He finished with 334 yards through the air and three scores but was sacked five times, threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. The Broncos dropped their third straight game after a 3-0 start.

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