The Arizona Cardinals are climbing the NFL power rankings after their thrilling 29-23 overtime win over the Las Vegas Raiders in NFL Week 2.
Some sites have elevated the Cardinals eight to ten spots after the thrilling win, which made Arizona 1-1 on the season entering its NFL Week 3 showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.
Check out what NFL writers are saying about the Cardinals, and that comeback, in their NFL power rankings after Week 2.
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Jeremy Cluff writes: “Are we elevating the Cardinals too much? Probably. That comeback win over the Raiders deserves to be rewarded, however.”
USA TODAY Sports: Cardinals climb nine spots to No. 17
Nate Davis writes: “Has LB Isaiah Simmons finally woken up? He forced the decisive fumble against Las Vegas in overtime Sunday, the same day the eighth pick of the 2020 draft was benched and limited to 15 snaps.”
NFL Week 3 picks, predictions:
NFL.com: Cardinals up eight spots to No. 14
Dan Hanzus writes: “What a moment for the Cardinals — and what a game for key figures on each side of the ball in a comeback win over the Raiders. Before Byron Murphy Jr.’s scoop-and-score in overtime, it was Kyler Murray who willed the Cardinals back from the brink with his signature style of greatness. Murray kept plays alive with his legs and made several money throws with his arm, none bigger than the 2-point conversion dart to AJ Green with no time remaining in regulation. On defense, it was former first-round pick Isiah Simmons, who, after seeing his playing time reduced following a rough Week 1, came up huge with the forced fumble in overtime that led to the win.”
Jaguars.com: Cardinals rise eight sports to No. 12
John Oehser writes: “A comeback on a historic level.”
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Bleacher Report: Cardinals climb five spots to No. 13
It writes: “For most of Sunday’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, it appeared the Arizona Cardinals were headed for the spot no team wants to be in: a 0-2 hole. With about nine minutes left in the game, the Cardinals trailed 23-7. But that’s when Kyler Murray strapped on his cape and saved the day. The Cardinals quarterback led the team on two late touchdown drives that included two two-point conversions before Byron Murphy’s fumble return for a touchdown in overtime secured Arizona’s first win of the season.”
Yahoo Sports: Cardinals move up one to No. 18
Frank Schwab writes: “The Cardinals are confusing. They looked awful for the first six quarters of the season. Maybe even the first seven. They had a crazy comeback against the Raiders that they won in overtime. Does that mean they turned a corner? Or was it just a blip in an otherwise bad start?”
NFL Week 3 odds:
Fox Sports: Cardinals ranked No. 14
David Helman writes: “It would be disingenuous to say the Cardinals played a great game, but it’s all about how you finish. Kyler Murray showed exactly why he’s so valuable, as the Raiders simply couldn’t get him on the ground. The Cardinals are going to need to learn how to start better, but there’s no apology needed for finding a way to win that game.”
CBS Sports: Cardinals elevated nine spots to No. 12
Pete Prisco writes: “Give them credit for battling back against the Raiders, as they were staring an 0-2 start in the face. Kyler Murray came up big, which he had to do.”
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ESPN: Cardinals move up eight to No. 14
Josh Weinfuss writes: “To say the Cardinals’ offense has started slowly in each of the first two games this season would be an understatement. To get going quicker, Arizona needs to spread the ball around. Once it gets guys such as Marquise Brown, AJ Green, James Conner and Zach Ertz are going, the offense will start to flow. Kyler Murray called the team’s scheme a rhythmic offense, but there are times when the Cardinals need to create their own rhythm, especially early in games.”
Sporting News: Cardinals climb four spots to No. 17
Vinnie Iyer writes: “The Cardinals’ defense will keep holding them back and it looked bad again for a good chunk of the game against the Raiders. But they had to be pleased by Kyler Murray taking command of the offense in comeback mode when they needed it the most.”
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It writes: “The Cardinals looked great in their comeback against the Raiders, but their offensive line had major issues throughout the opening half. I’m not much more bullish on the Cardinals right now, as there are still plenty of holes on their roster .”
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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