Introduction
When the Arizona Cardinals met the Buffalo Bills in a tightly contested matchup, fans were treated not just to a scoreline but to a rich tapestry of individual performances. In this article we’ll dive into the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, dissecting how players—starters and role-players alike—moved the needle in emblematic fashion.
Game Context & Head-to-Head History
Before we dig into individual numbers, let’s set the stage with the matchup context and franchise narrative.
The Cardinals and Bills, while not traditional divisional rivals, meet intermittently—bringing a mix of inter-conference intrigue. The all-time head-to-head shows the Cardinals with 5 wins and the Bills with 8 in their series.
The specific game under review took place at Highmark Stadium, where the Bills rallied to a 34-28 win in Week 1 of the 2024 season
Why it matters for player stats: a comeback win inherently features momentum shifts, which show up in yardage, turnovers, and big-play counts. It also shapes how we interpret numbers—in a blowout the stats tell one story; in a shootout or back-and-forth they tell another.
Quarterback Showdown & Offensive Highlights
Josh Allen – Lead Role for the Bills
When it comes to the Bills’ offence, Josh Allen is the fulcrum. In this game he completed 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 41 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
That dual-threat output is significant: it shows the statistical breakdown of passing + rushing contribution. He turned the game around by taking over late—classic comeback quarterback material.
Kyler Murray – Cardinals’ Offence on the Move
On the Cardinals side, Kyler Murray completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and 1 touchdown. He added 57 rushing yards on five carries.
Murray had a strong start—Arizona jumped to a 17-3 lead—but the rushing numbers and passing yardage tell us the Cardinals’ offence stalled when the Bills adjusted.
Running Backs & Receiving Impact
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James Conner (Cardinals) produced a 3-yard touchdown run that extended Arizona’s early lead.
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For Buffalo, James Cook contributed 71 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards.
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Wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught an 11-yard touchdown from Allen; Mack Hollins also had an 11-yard scoring reception.
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Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., meanwhile, had just one catch for 4 yards in his debut.
These stats show a pattern: the Bills offence diversified, while the Cardinals’ big-play engine hit a wall in the second half.
Defense, Special Teams & Momentum Shifts
Defensive Contribution & Big Plays
On the Bills’ defensive side, EDGE Greg Rousseau stepped up with 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble.
For Arizona, veteran safety Budda Baker noted how difficult it was to contain Allen when he extended plays.
A few analytics worth noting:
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The Cardinals held only 80 yards in the second half.
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Third-down and red-zone efficiency swung dramatically in favor of the Bills.
Special Teams & Hidden Stats
Special teams make an impact on momentum and the stat sheet. For instance:
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DeeJay Dallas of the Cardinals returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown.
That play flipped the field and gave Arizona a late life—but the Bills’ offence still closed stronger.
What the Stats Reveal – Narrative & Trends
First-Half Dominance vs Second-Half Collapse
The Cardinals opened strong—leading 17-3 at one point. But the stats tell the story: they were dominant early but faded. They generated minimal offence post-halftime.
In contrast, the Bills turned the tide: their second-half surge backed by Allen’s dual-threat and defensive plays off turnovers.
Big Performers and Role Players
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Josh Allen: clearly the driving force.
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Greg Rousseau: disruptive in the pass rush.
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James Cook & Khalil Shakir: moved the chains.
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For Arizona: Murray and Conner kept it competitive early, but the lack of consistent production hurt them.
Application for Fantasy & Analytical Insights
For fantasy football or analytics fans:
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A QB who rushes for two scores adds significant fantasy upside (Allen in this game).
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Early dominance doesn’t guarantee win: totals and second-half stats matter.
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Pay attention to turnovers and sacks: Rousseau’s sack-fumble set up a go-ahead score.
Statistical Breakdown
Here’s a handy bullet list summarizing key player stats from the game:
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Josh Allen: 18/23 passes, 232 yards, 2 TDs (passing); 41 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs.
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Kyler Murray: 21/31 passes, 162 yards, 1 TD; 57 rushing yards.
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James Cook: 71 rushing yards, 32 receiving yards.
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Khalil Shakir: 11-yard TD Reception (among others).
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Greg Rousseau: 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
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DeeJay Dallas: 96-yard kickoff return for a TD.
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Marvin Harrison Jr.: 1 reception, 4 yards (rookie debut).
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Team yardage: Cardinals limited to ~80 yards in the second half
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats tell a vivid story of early domination, a momentum swing, and individual brilliance. Buffalo’s resilience and star performances carried them through, while Arizona’s fade illustrates how yardage and stat lines can hide deeper problems. If you’re tracking player trends, fantasy potential or just love the numbers behind the game, this clash offered plenty.
Also Read : Dive Into Goonierne 2: A New Era of Interactive Storytelling
FAQ Section
Q1: What were the key player stats in the Cardinals vs Bills game?
A1: The key stats include Josh Allen’s combined 4 touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing) and 232 passing yards, plus Greg Rousseau’s 3 sacks and forced fumble. On the Cardinals’ side, Kyler Murray had 162 passing yards and 57 rushing yards, and James Conner added a rushing touchdown.
Q2: How did Josh Allen perform against the Arizona Cardinals?
A2: Allen was outstanding—completing 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 41 yards and two more scores. His dual-threat ability changed the game’s momentum.
Q3: What did Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offence achieve?
A3: Kyler Murray completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown; he also rushed for 57 yards. The Cardinals jumped to an early lead (17-3) but only managed ~80 yards in the second half, sagging under the Bills’ pressure.
Q4: What is the all-time head-to-head record between the Cardinals and the Bills?
A4: As of this matchup, the Buffalo Bills hold an 8-5 advantage over the Arizona Cardinals in their all-time meetings.
Q5: Which players had standout performances in Buffalo’s comeback win?
A5: Standouts include Josh Allen (4 total TDs), Greg Rousseau (3 sacks & forced fumble), James Cook (71 rush/32 receiving yards), and Khalil Shakir (scoring reception). On Arizona’s side, Murray showed versatility and Conner punched in a TD, but the defence couldn’t hang on.
