2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Titans make statement, Chiefs free fall

2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Titans make another statement, Chiefs continue free fall

By Randy Gurzi | Oct 25, 2021

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 24: Matthias Farley #21 and David Long #51 of the Tennessee Titans celebrate after Farley recovered a fumble in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Nissan Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a play with teammates during the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

16. team. 47. . . Previous: 22nd. New England Patriots

After an overtime loss to Dallas last week at home, the New England Patriots took out their frustrations on the poor, hapless New York Jets. Mac Jones was surgical as he completed 24-of-36 passes with 307 yards and two touchdowns while Damien Harris ran 106 yards and two touchdowns.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, they had J.J. Taylor run two more scores and Kendrick Bourne even threw a touchdown pass of his own. Heck, even Brian Hoyer got in on the fun as the No. 2 quarterback played in garbage time and had 79 yards on 3-of-4 passing.

New England’s defense was also playing well with three turnovers including two picks on Mike White who had to replace an injured Zach Wilson. Kyle Dugger was responsible for one of those interceptions and also led the team with nine tackles — seven of which were solo.

Throughout the first seven weeks of the season, New England has been very competitive. They lost by less than one score in three games including a two-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the six-point overtime loss to Dallas.

Perhaps this win over the Jets is what they needed to get things figured out, and they have to hope it is with a trip to L.A. on the agenda for Week 8 as they face the Chargers who will be fresh after their bye week.

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