Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, nothing gets the blood pumping quite like a classic NFL matchup between two teams with explosive offenses and gritty defenses. Today, we’re diving deep into the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats – that heart-pounding clash from the 2024 season opener on September 8, where the Bills edged out a 34-28 victory at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Whether you’re a die-hard Cardinals supporter hoping for that upset vibe or a Bills Mafia member reliving the glory, this article is all about the player stats that made it unforgettable.

We’ll break it down in a way that’s super easy to follow, with clear tables for all the key numbers, stories behind the stats, and some insights on what they mean for both teams. No jargon overload here – just straightforward talk about the heroes, the hustlers, and the highlights. If you’re new to NFL lingo, think of it like this: passing yards are how far the quarterback throws the ball successfully, rushing is all about running with the ball, and receiving is catching those passes. Ready to relive the action? Let’s kick off!

Setting the Scene: Why This Game Mattered

Picture this: It’s Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, and the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats under those crisp New York skies. The Bills, fresh off another AFC East title, were looking to prove they could thrive without big names like Stefon Diggs. On the other side, the Cardinals were buzzing with excitement – Kyler Murray was back healthy after a major injury, and rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. was making his pro debut. Over 70,000 fans packed the stadium, and the energy was electric.

The game started with Arizona jumping out to a 17-3 lead, scoring on their first three drives – something they hadn’t done since 2006! But Josh Allen and the Bills mounted a massive comeback, outscoring the Cardinals 28-3 across the second half and into the fourth quarter. It was a rollercoaster: big plays, a historic kickoff return touchdown, and even Allen hurdling over a defender for a score. In the end, Buffalo’s defense sealed it with a crucial pass breakup.

This matchup wasn’t just about the final score; it highlighted how both teams are evolving. The Cardinals showed offensive promise but faltered in sustaining leads, while the Bills demonstrated resilience. Now, let’s get to the meat – the player stats that told the real story. I’ll use tables to make it simple to scan, and we’ll chat about the standouts.

Arizona Cardinals Player Stats: Grit and Promise in a Tough Loss

The Cardinals came out firing, racking up 321 total yards and putting up 28 points – not bad against a Bills defense that’s usually tough at home. But turnovers and defensive lapses let it slip away. Kyler Murray was the spark, using his legs and arm to keep drives alive, while the running game with James Conner provided balance. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had a quiet debut, but don’t count him out – he was targeted early and often.

Here’s a breakdown of the key offensive stats for the Cardinals. These numbers show how they controlled the early game but couldn’t hold on.

Arizona Cardinals Passing Stats

Murray’s stat line might not scream superstar, but context matters. He led the team in rushing too (more on that below), scrambling for key first downs. That one interception was costly, though – it happened late and swung momentum. His passer rating was low, but against Buffalo’s pass rush, completing 68% of his throws under pressure is impressive for a guy coming off an ACL tear. If you’re a fantasy football player, Murray’s dual-threat ability makes him a must-start every week.

Arizona Cardinals Rushing Stats

James Conner was the workhorse, grinding out tough yards and capping the early lead with a 3-yard touchdown run. His 53 yards don’t look flashy, but in a game where Buffalo’s front seven (led by Greg Rousseau) was swarming, it was solid. Murray’s 57 rushing yards? That’s vintage Kyler – he led the team and kept defenses honest. And shoutout to Dallas for that explosive 42-yard kickoff return touchdown in the fourth quarter, the first under the NFL’s new rules! It cut the lead to 31-28 and had everyone on their feet. These stats highlight Arizona’s balanced attack, but they needed more explosion to seal the win.

Arizona Cardinals Receiving Stats

The receiving corps was spread out, with no one dominating – a sign of a committee approach under coach Jonathan Gannon. Michael Wilson’s touchdown catch on the opening drive set the tone, a 5-yard strike from Murray. Tight end Trey McBride was reliable as always, chipping in short gains. But Harrison Jr., the fourth overall pick, had a rough debut with just one catch for 4 yards on three targets. Hey, rookies have off days – remember his college dominance at Ohio State? Expect him to bounce back big time. Overall, 162 passing yards isn’t elite, but it was efficient early on.

Defensively, the Cardinals allowed 352 yards, with Greg Rousseau of the Bills torching them for three sacks. Budda Baker had a solid game with 7 tackles, but they couldn’t stop the comeback. Kicker Matt Prater was perfect on field goals (2/2), adding 10 points.

In a nutshell, these stats show a Cardinals team with potential – Murray’s mobility and Conner’s power – but they need better clock management and secondary play to turn close games into wins. If you’re betting on Arizona futures, watch how they build on this.

Buffalo Bills Player Stats: Comeback Kings Shine Bright

The Bills started slow, down 17-3 at halftime, but exploded for 31 second-half points. Josh Allen was the MVP without question, throwing for 232 yards and two scores while rushing for 39 yards and two more TDs – including that insane hurdle over Baker! The new-look receiving group stepped up without Diggs, and the defense, despite injuries, made plays when it counted.

Buffalo finished with 352 total yards, efficient on third downs (9/15), and their special teams held firm. Let’s table out the stars.

Buffalo Bills Passing Stats

Allen was lights-out after a shaky start, completing 78% of his passes with no picks. His 131.0 rating is elite, and spreading the ball to nine different receivers showed the offense’s depth. That 18-yard touchdown to Khalil Shakir in the third quarter tied the game, and his arm strength was on full display. Allen’s now just 10 rushing TDs away from passing Thurman Thomas for the most in Bills history. If you’re a Bills fan, this guy’s a legend in the making – dual-threat QBs like him are rare.

Buffalo Bills Rushing Stats

Allen stole the show again, with those two rushing scores – including the hurdle that had the crowd roaring. James Cook was steady but not explosive, averaging under 3 yards per carry against Arizona’s front. Rookie Ray Davis added a spark with his bursts. Overall, 84 rushing yards isn’t dominant, but in a pass-heavy game, it was enough to complement the air attack. The Bills’ ground game relies on Allen’s magic, and it paid off here.

Buffalo Bills Receiving Stats

Rookie Keon Coleman led with 51 yards, proving the Bills’ receiver room isn’t missing Diggs as much as feared. Shakir’s touchdown was pivotal, rolling into the end zone after contact. Tight end Dalton Kincaid looked smooth with his 47 yards and score. Spreading targets to nine players (with 10 different ones targeted) is Joe Brady’s offensive philosophy in action – “everyone eats.” This balanced approach led to 232 passing yards and kept Arizona’s defense guessing.

On defense, Greg Rousseau was a beast with 3 sacks (a career high), forcing a fumble that led to a score. Damar Hamlin and Ja’Marcus Ingram’s pass breakup on fourth down sealed the win. Despite losing Taron Johnson to injury early, the backups stepped up big time.

These stats paint a picture of a Bills team that’s resilient and versatile. Allen’s four total TDs put him at 225 career scores, closing in on franchise records. For 2025, with a new stadium on the horizon, expect this core to push for a Super Bowl.

Head-to-Head Highlights: Stats That Stood Out

When you compare the two sides side-by-side, the game’s drama jumps out. Here’s a quick comparative table for total team stats to see the balance.

Team Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Comparison

Buffalo’s edge in third downs and no turnovers was the difference-maker. Arizona dominated early possession but couldn’t convert late. Player-wise, Allen’s 4 TDs vs. Murray’s 1 shows the comeback heroics, while Rousseau’s 3 sacks dwarfed anything from the Cardinals’ D.

Fun fact: This was the first NFL game with a kickoff return TD under the new rules, thanks to Dallas. And Allen’s hurdle? Compared to the pre-game Air Force flyover – pure poetry!

What the Stats Mean: Lessons and Looking Ahead

Diving into these numbers, it’s clear both teams have bright spots. For the Cardinals, Murray’s 57 rushing yards and Conner’s touchdown grind show an offense that’s fun and unpredictable. But that 59.3 passer rating and Harrison’s quiet day? Areas to grow. Defensively, allowing 34 points highlights the need for better coverage – especially against mobile QBs like Allen.