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2021 NFL power rankings, Week 9: Cardinals fall for first time

By Russell S. Baxter

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of a game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of a game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 31: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins scrambles in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 31: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins scrambles in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) /

Once again, it was a big week for the road teams. And thanks to more than a handful of surprises, this week’s NFL Power Rankings have a much different look.

It was a Happy Halloween for 13 of the 26 teams that played on Sunday. Earlier in the week, the lone unbeaten team in the league tasted defeat for the first time in 2021. There were playoff rematches at Cleveland and New Orleans while the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans looked to complete sweeps of divisional rivals.

0-8. Previous: . Detroit Lions. 32. team. 50.

The Men from Motown were still the lone winless team in the league and the Lions took an 11-game losing streak into their clash with the visiting Eagles. And make it an even dozen as Detroit’s offense totaled only 228 yards – including only 57 yards on the ground.

Quarterbacks Jared Goff (5) and David Blough (1) were sacked a combined six times. Meanwhile, Aaron Glenn’s defensive unit surrendered a discouraging 236 yards rushing by game’s end.

52. . 1-6. Previous: . Jacksonville Jaguars. 31. team

Urban Meyer’s team was back at it after a week off and made the long trip to Seattle. And the Jaguars’ dismal season continued as the club trailed 24-0 in the third quarter. Jacksonville’s defense probably deserved better after limiting the Seahawks to 229 total yards.

Rookie Trevor Lawrence finished 32-of-54 passes for 238 yards for one score and one interception. That also meant that he missed on 22 throws in another disappointing showing.

10. . 1-7. Previous: . Houston Texans. 30. team

The struggling Texans welcomed the explosive Rams to the Lone Star State as David Culley’s team looked to snap a six-game losing streak. Houston had no answers for Sean McVay’s club and trailed 38-0 after three quarters.

Rookie quarterback Davis Mills would wind up throwing for 310 yards and two scores (1 interception) despite being sacked five times. Lovie Smith’s defensive unit surrendered 467 total yards in the Texans’ latest setback.

1-7. Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 29. team. 59.

The Dolphins had dropped six straight to the Bills as they made their way north to Orchard Park. And Brian Flores’ team was swept for the third consecutive season. The Miami offense was limited to 262 total yards while the Fins’ defense failed to sack Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen or force Sean McDermott’s team into a turnover.

A year ago, this club led the NFL with 29 takeaways. In 2020, Flores’ squad has forced only nine turnovers in eight contests.

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