Fansided

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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 24: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Johnathan Hankins #90 react to watching a review of a play during the first half in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 24: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Johnathan Hankins #90 react to watching a review of a play during the first half in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images) /

124. . 3-4. Previous: . Kansas City Chiefs. 12. team

A defense that had turned the corner down the stretch in 2019 and a unit that carried that momentum into 2020 faded late that year and has been embarrassing this season. But just as big of a concern has been the Chiefs’ offense and talented quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The five-year pro appears to be pressing to make up for the defensive shortcomings. Andy Reid’s 3-4 club has already committed 17 turnovers – one more (16) than in ’20.

. 5-2. Previous: . Las Vegas Raiders. 11. team. 28

The team got off to a 3-0 start, then humbled on a Monday night at Los Angeles by the Chargers. Then came the Jon Gruden news and a lackluster performance in a home loss to the Bears. But this club rebounded in fine fashion and bested the Broncos and Eagles – scoring 34 and 33 points, respectively.

Derek Carr has been solid but it’s been a much more physical Las Vegas’ defense and its potent pass rush that has propelled the team into first place.

4-3. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 10. team. 13.

The Bolts had an extra week to think about a 34-6 loss at Baltimore. Brandon Staley’s club hosted the New England Patriots and owned a 14-7 second-quarter lead. But second-year quarterback Justin Herbert had his issues with Bill Belichick’s defense.

He was sacked three times and picked off twice – the second returned 26 yards for a score by one-time Charger Adrian Phillips. And Staley’s defenders surrendered 141 yards rushing on 39 attempts in the loss.

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