Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Player Stats

The recent Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills matchup wasn’t just another regular-season game—it was a masterclass in resilience, execution, and strategy. With a final score of Buffalo Bills 34 – Arizona Cardinals 28, the game kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams showcased moments of brilliance, individual performances that turned the tide, and defensive lapses that changed the momentum. This article explores the player stats, key turning points, and overall takeaways from this captivating encounter.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Passing Leaders

When it comes to offensive rhythm, both teams had very different stories. For the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Josh Allen once again proved why he’s among the elite in the NFL. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 232 yards and threw two touchdowns with no interceptions. His accuracy under pressure, especially in the second half, turned the game around for Buffalo.

Meanwhile, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown. His early-game composure and quick release kept Arizona ahead in the first half, but as Buffalo’s defense tightened, his production dipped. Murray’s passing efficiency dropped notably in the third quarter, largely due to Buffalo’s relentless pressure and disguised coverages.

The contrast between Allen’s sustained accuracy and Murray’s second-half struggles explains much of how momentum shifted. While both quarterbacks displayed flashes of brilliance, Allen’s ability to extend plays and connect on intermediate throws gave Buffalo the edge when it mattered most.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Rushing Performance

The rushing department told a different story of control and timing. James Cook, the Bills’ dynamic running back, racked up 71 rushing yards and contributed another 32 yards through the air. His combination of patience and explosiveness allowed Buffalo to maintain offensive balance. Quarterback Josh Allen, ever the dual threat, added 41 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground—both coming in crucial moments inside the red zone.

For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray was once again the leading rusher, gaining 57 yards on 5 carries. Running back James Conner, though limited, chipped in 45 rushing yards, showing physicality early but struggling to find lanes later in the game as Buffalo’s defensive front adjusted.

The difference between both teams’ rushing attacks lay in timing and variation. Buffalo mixed read-options and designed QB runs to keep Arizona’s defense guessing. The Cardinals, in contrast, became predictable in their rushing schemes after halftime, leading to fewer big gains.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Receiving Highlights

The aerial attack in the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills contest showcased a mix of emerging stars and dependable veterans. For Buffalo, rookie Keon Coleman led all receivers with 51 yards on four catches, showing great poise and route precision. Mack Hollins caught two passes for 25 yards and scored a crucial touchdown, while tight end Dalton Kincaid added 34 yards across short-yardage situations, acting as a safety valve for Allen.

Arizona’s passing attack was more spread out. Greg Dortch emerged as the top receiver with six catches for 47 yards, displaying reliability in short-to-intermediate zones. Michael Wilson added 36 yards on three receptions, while Trey McBride contributed a red-zone touchdown that gave the Cardinals an early lead.

However, the difference between the teams’ receiving stats was efficiency. While Buffalo converted third downs with precision, Arizona’s drives often stalled due to miscommunication and coverage breakdowns. The Bills’ receivers complemented Allen’s aggressive play style, while Arizona’s pass-catchers struggled to separate consistently against tight man coverage.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Defensive Impact

Defense wins championships, and this matchup reinforced that cliché. The Buffalo Bills’ defense came alive in the second half. Linebacker Terrel Bernard led all defenders with 11 total tackles, while Greg Rousseau dominated at the line of scrimmage, recording three sacks and a forced fumble. That forced turnover on Kyler Murray became one of the game’s most pivotal moments, leading directly to a Buffalo touchdown.

For the Arizona Cardinals, linebacker Zaven Collins stood out with nine tackles and a sack, showing his growth as a defensive leader. Rookie cornerback Garrett Williams also made key plays early, but as fatigue set in, the secondary began giving up deep completions.

Statistically, the Bills generated four sacks, forced one fumble, and allowed only 80 total yards in the second half—a testament to their adaptability. The Cardinals’ defense, despite a strong start, failed to maintain the same intensity, allowing Buffalo to dictate the tempo late in the game.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Momentum Shifts

The game flow was a tale of two halves. Arizona started hot, jumping to a 17–3 lead by the second quarter, thanks to balanced play-calling and sharp execution. But from the third quarter onward, Buffalo completely flipped the narrative. Josh Allen’s leadership, coupled with disciplined defense, helped the Bills outscore the Cardinals 21–3 in the second half.

Momentum shifted decisively after Murray’s fumble deep in Arizona territory, which Buffalo quickly converted into a touchdown. From there, the Cardinals’ offense stalled, managing only a single field goal the rest of the way. The Bills’ composure and belief in their system were evident; they executed their plays with precision even under pressure.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Special Teams and Hidden Yards

While special teams rarely steal headlines, they often shape field position and momentum. Buffalo’s Tyler Bass was perfect on the night, converting all four extra points and two field goals, including a 47-yarder that gave the Bills breathing room in the fourth quarter. Sam Martin’s punting was another hidden weapon—pinning Arizona deep in their own territory multiple times, forcing long drives.

For the Cardinals, kicker Matt Prater nailed both his field-goal attempts, including one from 51 yards. However, Arizona’s return game was nearly non-existent, averaging fewer than 15 yards per kickoff return, which repeatedly left the offense with a long field to cover.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Coaching and Strategy

The chess match between Sean McDermott and Jonathan Gannon was fascinating to watch. McDermott’s halftime adjustments were textbook examples of situational awareness. He tightened defensive zones, increased blitz frequency, and simplified offensive reads for Allen—changes that paid immediate dividends.

Gannon’s game plan worked beautifully early but became predictable after halftime. His insistence on short passes and limited use of play-action made Arizona easier to defend. Statistically, Buffalo’s second-half yardage outpaced Arizona’s by more than 150 yards, underlining the impact of superior adjustments and execution.

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Player Stats Overview