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NFL Power Rankings, Week 2: Saints blow by Packers, Kyler and Cardinals shine

By Randy Gurzi

Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) runs during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) runs during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) gets set to accept a snap in the fourth quarter during an NFL Week 1 football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won, 27-24.Minnesota Vikings At Cincinnati Bengals Sept 12 /

. Previous: 29th. Cincinnati Bengals. 23. team. 56.

Zac Taylor entered this season as one of the big question marks for the Cincinnati Bengals. Another was rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

For Taylor, he’s entering his third season as the head coach of the Bengals and was just 6-25-1 in his first two seasons. He was excused since he had a young quarterback in 2020 — but that brings us to the other question.

At No. 5 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Bengals took LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase instead of offensive lineman Penei Sewell. Considering Burrow was fresh off a torn ACL, the move was already questionable but then Chase struggled with drops during the preseason.

He didn’t make things better when he said he couldn’t see the ball without the white stripes that he’s used to from the NCAA. It might have been true, but saying it only opened the door for more criticism.

After one week, Cincinnati has at least silenced those concerns. Taylor not only led them to a 27-24 overtime win over the Minnesota Vikings, but Chase put on a show as well. He led the team with 101 yards on five receptions and scored on a 50-yard touchdown as well.

Second-year receiver Tee Higgins also scored, going for 58 yards on four catches. Say what you will about the line, but this receiving corps is legit and if they keep this up, Taylor could be just fine after all.

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