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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
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 03: Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers scrambles and runs passed Quinton Bohanna #98 of the Dallas Cowboys for a touchdown during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Previous: 8th. Carolina Panthers. 11. team. 87. .

They’re no longer undefeated but the Carolina Panthers shouldn’t be feeling sorry for themselves after Sunday. They went into AT&T Stadium and were knocked off by a surging Dallas Cowboys team but they continued to show that they weren’t pretenders even in defeat.

Carolina was up 14-13 at the half thanks to a one-yard run by Sam Darnold in the first quarter and an 11-yarder in the second. He finished with 35 yards on the ground with the two scores. Dallas then put up 20 in the third quarter to take control but the Panthers continued to fight back.

Darnold threw two touchdowns to D.J. Moore in the fourth quarter which pulled them to within eight points. Dallas was able to run the clock out after that but their fight was impressive. Darnold finished with 301 yards passing and Moore had 113 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions as he continues to show out in 2021.

It’s been night and day for Darnold who looks so much better since leaving the New York Jets — and Adam Gase. For Carolina, they also seem a lot better since Darnold is able to run the Joe Brady offense efficiently. They’re still in first place in the NFC South even with the loss and could continue to surprise.

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