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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
Oct 3, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) celebrates after a victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 58. . . Previous: 24th. Washington Commanders. 19

Taylor Heinicke became a household name for the Washington Football Team when he took over for their playoff game last season. He played incredibly in that game despite the team suffering a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — who ended up winning it all.

This season, he again started out on the bench but after Ryan Fitzpatrick was injured, he’s taken back over. And it might be hard to sit him again, especially after his performance on Sunday.

Heinicke led Washington to a comeback win late, and it was quite the finish. After the Atlanta Falcons scored early in the fourth quarter to go up by eight, Heinicke led a 70-yard, 10-play drive which was capped off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. They missed the two-point conversion but got one last shot after the defense got them the ball back.

Again, they covered a lot of ground as they went 76-yards on seven plays and Heinicke hit J.D. McKissic for a 30-yard touchdown that gave them the 34-30 win. Washington moved to 2-2 and they’re still within striking distance of the Dallas Cowboys who led the NFC East with a mark of 3-1. They’re still alive and they can play better than they have so far, which should give them hope that they can get hot and stay in contention as the season goes along.

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