The Arizona Cardinals have been one of the big surprises of the National Football League to this point of the season.

Ken Whisenhunt's team has won four of its first five contests and for the last couple of week has been near the top of various NFL power rankings polls.

Until their loss to St. Louis last week, that is. It seems a lot of experts were hesitant to give the Cardinals credit for their accomplishments and seem to think their night-long offensive struggle against the Rams was a more accurate depiction of the team.

Here's a sampling of what some of the various power rankings say about the Cardinals:

Yahoo! Sports - NFL Power Rankings: Thanks, Cardinals, that was fun

#14

Dropping them 11 spots may be harsh, but if I'm being honest, I was being pretty generous by having them ranked that high to begin with. Injuries, especially the latest one to Ryan Williams, make me feel like the rest of their season will resemble the 17-3 loss to the Rams more than it will the four wins that preceded it.

CBS Sports - If Packers offense can't get it together, forget about playoffs

#9

They have to protect Kevin Kolb better. That was horrible at St. Louis. He might not make it through the season.

ESPN - 2012 NFL Power Rankings: Week 6

#9

The Cardinals ranked last in yards per carry before losing Ryan Williams for the season. (Sando)

Brian Billick - Fox Sports Net - NFL Power Rankings Week 6

#8

Quarterback Kevin Kolb will rightfully take a lot of the blame for the Thursday night loss to the Rams, but it is the complete lack of a running game without Beanie Wells that is more disappointing to me. Now Ryan Williams is out for the season, but even so, the game was too big for him.

NFL.com - Week 6: Packers drop; Bears rejoin top five

#10

Despite the loss, Arizona still has an opportunity to be very good this season, and could earn a wild-card berth. But this team isn't going anywhere until the leaky offensive line shores things up. Ken Whisenhunt's front five has been nothing short of abysmal in protecting (or failing to protect) Kevin Kolb. The really scary thing? This unit's even worse at run-blocking.

USA Today - Week 6 NFL power rankings: Texans still tops

#14

Offensive line is a mess and backfield is without both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams. (6th)

Rant Sports - 2012 NFL Power Rankings Week 6

#7

The Arizona Cardinals finally suffered their first loss of the season last Thursday and if they don't find a way to protect Kevin Kolb (last week 59 drop backs, 9 sacks, 13 hits, 21 hurries and 13 knockdowns) then there will be plenty more to come.

Sporting News - NFL Power Rankings: 49ers thriving under Alex Smith

#11

Fitzgerald is getting more help than expected from Andre Roberts, who has become a solid No. 2. Now he needs better play from his quarterback and O-line.