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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
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 03: Trey Lance #5 of the San Francisco 49ers scrambles to avoid a tackle by Rasheem Green #94 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Levi’s Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

team. 42. . . Previous: 11th. San Francisco 49ers. 16

Trey Lance finally got his chance for some extended time with the San Francisco 49ers when Jimmy Garoppolo had to leave with a calf injury. While we never wish an injury on any player, it really seemed like only a matter of time until such a scenario played out.

Garoppolo has won a lot in San Francisco and even took them to the Super Bowl following the 2019 season but he’s also missed a ton of time. He missed 13 games in 2018 and 10 in 2020. That means since joining the 49ers, he’s managed to play a full season just once. That had as much to do with them trading up for Lance as any other factor did.

Lance has gotten some spot duty early on but Sunday saw him complete 9-of-18 passes for 157 yards with two touchdowns. He also had 41 yards on seven rushing attempts, proving he’s a playmaker even at this level. He also had a great connection with Deebo Samuel who scored from 76 yards out and finished with 156 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions.

Even with all that being said, the Seahawks spoiled the day by winning 28-21. San Francisco is now 2-2 as is Seattle and they both find themselves looking up at the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

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