The showdown between the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats was one of the most anticipated games of the season. Both teams came into the match eager to prove themselves — the Cardinals seeking to establish consistency on offense under Kyler Murray, and the Bills determined to show that Josh Allen remains among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. The game ended in a thrilling fashion, with the Bills narrowly defeating the Cardinals. In this detailed article, we will analyze the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, explore offensive and defensive standouts, and break down what the numbers truly reveal about both teams.
Introduction to the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match
The Arizona Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills have met several times in recent years, producing dramatic finishes and impressive performances. This particular matchup was no different. The Bills’ offense, led by Josh Allen, managed to overcome an early deficit to secure a close victory. The Cardinals showcased flashes of brilliance, especially through Kyler Murray’s mobility, but ultimately fell short.
In understanding the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, it’s essential to evaluate both the offensive and defensive sides of the game — how each quarterback performed, who made the big plays, and which defensive players turned the tide.
Team Performance Overview
Before diving into individual statistics, let’s take a quick look at how both teams performed overall:
- Final Score: Buffalo Bills 34 – Arizona Cardinals 28
- Total Yards: Buffalo 352 | Arizona 270
- Yards per Play: Buffalo 6.1 | Arizona 4.5
- Turnovers: Both teams – 1 each
- Red Zone Efficiency: Buffalo 4/6 | Arizona 2/4
These numbers set the stage for understanding how each player contributed to their team’s overall performance.
Josh Allen – The Game Changer for Buffalo
When discussing the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, Josh Allen’s performance stands out as the driving force behind the Bills’ win.
Josh Allen’s Stats:
- Passing: 21 completions on 32 attempts for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns
- Rushing: 41 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns
- Turnovers: 0 interceptions
Allen was nearly flawless in execution. His ability to extend plays with his legs and maintain composure in the pocket allowed Buffalo to control the tempo. The dual-threat capability that Allen provides continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
His most impactful moments came in the second half, where he orchestrated scoring drives that shifted the momentum completely in Buffalo’s favor.
James Cook – Establishing the Ground Game
Running back James Cook provided critical balance to the Bills’ offensive scheme.
James Cook’s Stats:
- Rushing: 71 yards on 15 carries
- Receiving: 32 yards on 4 receptions
Cook’s efficiency in both the running and passing game kept the Arizona defense guessing. His versatility created mismatches, particularly on screen plays and short passes. This balance between Allen’s passing and Cook’s ground game was vital for Buffalo’s offensive rhythm.
Buffalo’s Receiving Corps
While Josh Allen was the centerpiece, his receivers also made notable contributions in the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats.
Key Receivers:
- Keon Coleman: The rookie receiver showcased potential with multiple key receptions, adding valuable first downs.
- Mack Hollins: Recorded 2 catches for 25 yards, including a crucial touchdown.
- Dawson Knox: Added reliability in short-yardage situations, moving the chains at key moments.
Buffalo’s receivers didn’t post massive yardage totals, but they were efficient and executed well within the offensive system.
Kyler Murray – The Spark for Arizona
For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray remains the focal point of their offense. Despite the loss, his performance was filled with effort and athleticism.
Kyler Murray’s Stats:
- Passing: 21 of 31 for 162 yards and 1 touchdown
- Rushing: 5 carries for 57 yards
Murray’s ability to evade pressure and extend plays kept the Cardinals competitive. However, the limited passing yardage and lack of explosive plays through the air hindered Arizona’s comeback chances.
The Bills’ defense effectively forced Murray to check down passes instead of finding deep targets. While his rushing stats demonstrate his athletic ability, Arizona needs greater downfield production to complement his scrambling.
James Conner – Reliable but Contained
Running back James Conner once again served as a dependable offensive weapon for Arizona, though Buffalo’s defensive front limited his big-play potential.
James Conner’s Stats:
- Rushing: 16 carries for 50 yards and 1 touchdown
- Receiving: 2 catches for 15 yards
Conner’s physical running style allowed him to grind out tough yards, but the Bills’ defensive line minimized his impact beyond the red zone. His lone touchdown was one of Arizona’s key highlights, but it wasn’t enough to sustain momentum late in the game.
Arizona’s Receiving Highlights
Key Receivers:
- Michael Wilson: 1 reception for 5 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown: 4 receptions for 45 yards.
- Trey McBride: 3 receptions for 35 yards.
While the Cardinals spread the ball around, they struggled to generate explosive plays. Their average of 7.7 yards per completion was notably lower than Buffalo’s, which demonstrates how the Bills’ defense prevented Arizona from stretching the field.
Defensive Standouts – Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s defense played a major role in securing the win. The Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats highlight several key defensive performances:
- Terrel Bernard: Led the defense with 11 total tackles, anchoring the middle of the field.
- Greg Rousseau: Recorded 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble, wreaking havoc on the Cardinals’ offensive line.
- Jordan Poyer: Provided leadership in the secondary, helping limit deep passing plays.
The Bills’ defensive unit consistently pressured Murray and forced Arizona into short gains. Rousseau’s performance was particularly instrumental in maintaining momentum for Buffalo.
Defensive Standouts – Arizona Cardinals
Despite the loss, a few Arizona defenders stood out for their effort and consistency.
- Zaven Collins: Tallied 8 tackles and a sack, showing strong presence on the edge.
- Budda Baker: Continued to be the heart of Arizona’s secondary, finishing with 9 tackles and multiple pass breakups.
- Dennis Gardeck: Added 2 tackles for loss, showing aggressiveness against the run.
However, the defense struggled to contain Buffalo’s dynamic offense, particularly in third-down situations. Allowing 6.1 yards per play proved too costly in a tight game.
Special Teams Impact
Special teams also influenced the outcome. The Bills benefited from a key kickoff return touchdown that changed the momentum early in the third quarter. Their kicker was perfect on extra points and field goals, ensuring no missed opportunities.
For Arizona, special teams were steady but not game-changing. Consistent punts and kick coverage prevented major errors, but the lack of a big return play left them without an edge in field position.
Turning Points in the Game
Analyzing the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats reveals several pivotal moments:
- Second Quarter Comeback: The Bills erased an early deficit with back-to-back scoring drives led by Allen’s arm and legs.
- Defensive Sack on Kyler Murray: Late in the third quarter, Greg Rousseau’s strip-sack prevented a potential Cardinals scoring drive.
- Kickoff Return Touchdown: Buffalo’s special teams provided a spark that completely swung the momentum.
- Red Zone Efficiency: The Bills converted two crucial red zone drives into touchdowns, while Arizona settled for a field goal on one key possession.
Each of these moments was reflected in the statistics — from Allen’s rushing yards to Rousseau’s defensive dominance.
Lessons for Both Teams
For the Buffalo Bills:
- Josh Allen continues to perform at an MVP-caliber level.
- The balanced attack between running and passing proved effective.
- Defensive consistency and special teams execution made the difference.
For the Arizona Cardinals:
- Kyler Murray remains dynamic but needs more support from the offensive line and receivers.
- The running game, while serviceable, lacked explosiveness.
- Defensive lapses and poor red-zone defense cost them the game.
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats tell the story of two teams headed in different directions early in the season. Buffalo’s efficiency, leadership from Josh Allen, and balance on both sides of the ball underscore why they remain among the AFC’s elite.
Arizona, while showing effort and flashes of brilliance, must find greater offensive rhythm and consistency. Kyler Murray’s individual stats show promise, but without stronger protection and downfield threats, his impact remains limited.
Ultimately, this game was a statement win for the Bills and a learning experience for the Cardinals. The detailed player stats reveal not just numbers — but the story of resilience, execution, and the fine margins that define victory in the NFL.
