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2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 5: Cowboys make statement, Cardinals take the top spot

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) recovers the fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (3) recovers the fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 03: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

team. 47. . . Previous: 20th. New England Patriots. 22

It was an ugly, rainy night under the bright lights in Gillette Stadium and while Mac Jones may not have scored the win for the New England Patriots, he again proved he deserves to be respected. The Pats rookie quarterback played in his most pressure-packed game as a pro, as he had to face off against Tom Brady and the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jones proved again the moment wasn’t too big as he had 275 yards passing and even set his team up for a potential game-winner after the Bucs took a late lead. Jones and the Pats moved the ball to the Tampa Bay 37 but Nick Folk hit the upright as the kick to take the lead with less than a minute to go was unsuccessful.

Overall, Jones was 31-of-40 and had a stretch of 19-straight completions. He also kept his team in the game even though there was literally no running game. New England finished with negative-one-yard on eight rushing attempts.

New England had a ton of success with Brady and while they did lose to him and the Bucs, they look to be in good hands. Jones has played better than any of the other rookies and despite their 1-3 record, they could be back in the mix sooner than expected.

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