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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; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) and defensive end Takkarist McKinley (55) react during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: 7th. Cleveland Browns. 7. team. 53. .

The Cleveland Browns moved to 3-1 with a narrow win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 but quarterback Baker Mayfield was not happy with himself. He ripped his own performance while saying the defense bailed him out.

It’s hard not to agree with Mayfield on this one because he was simply off all game. He missed Kareem Hunt in the first quarter when he was standing alone in the end zone. Mayfield also overthrew Harrison Bryant in the second half when he should have had a huge gain after getting behind the defense.

The worst, however, may have been the third-down pass on the Browns’ final drive. Up 14-7 and looking to seal the win, Odell Beckham, Jr. beat his guy and should have had a walk-in touchdown but Mayfield was short on the throw and the Vikings got one last chance.

Again, the defense stepped up and that should be the real story here. Cleveland has a talented enough roster that they can win games even when their quarterback is struggling to find any kind of rhythm. After a slow start, the defense has come to life and given up just 13 points in the past two games as they beat Chicago and Minnesota.

Next week will be a really tough one for them, however, as they face the Los Angeles Chargers on the road.

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