Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats give a simple and complete view of one of the most exciting games of the 2024 NFL season. On September 8, 2024, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34–28 in front of nearly seventy thousand fans. This season opener was more than just a game. It was a contest of momentum, resilience, and individual brilliance, and the stats tell the full story of how it unfolded.

In this article, we break down the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, covering quarterbacks, runners, receivers, defense, and special teams to show both the numbers and the story behind them.

Game Story and Flow

The Cardinals started strong. Kyler Murray led with his quick feet, and James Conner ran with power, helping Arizona build a 17–3 lead in the first half. Their defense held Buffalo quiet for much of the early play, making it look as though the Cardinals would control the game.

But football often changes after halftime. The Bills adjusted, and Josh Allen took command. His combination of passing and rushing plays lifted Buffalo back into the contest. In the second half, the Bills outscored Arizona 31–11, with big plays from both offense and defense. Greg Rousseau’s pressure on defense gave Buffalo critical stops, and Allen’s energy created touchdowns when they needed them most.

By the final minutes, the score was close. Arizona had one last chance, but Buffalo’s defense stood tall on a fourth-down play. That stop sealed the victory. The Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats explain why Buffalo’s comeback succeeded and why the Cardinals fell just short.

Quarterback Performances

Quarterbacks are often the difference in big games, and this matchup showed two very different styles of leadership.

Josh Allen’s performance was efficient and explosive. He completed nearly every pass, threw two touchdowns, and did not turn the ball over. On top of that, he added two rushing touchdowns, including a leap over a defender that brought the crowd to its feet.

Kyler Murray showed determination. He added a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the game and finished with 57 rushing yards. His passing numbers were modest at 162 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Murray’s ability to keep plays alive with his legs gave Arizona hope, even if the passing game was more limited.

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Running Game

The rushing totals were almost even, with Buffalo finishing at 130 yards and Arizona at 124. Both teams leaned on their running backs, but the way the yards were earned made the difference.

James Cook’s combined rushing and receiving yards gave Buffalo balance, crossing the 100-yard mark in total offense. Conner’s runs were steady and tough, and he scored one of Arizona’s touchdowns. Both quarterbacks also made big contributions in the rushing game, with Allen’s two scores standing as the difference.

Receivers and Playmakers

Buffalo’s passing game was wide and creative, with the ball spread to multiple players. Arizona’s passing leaned more on short completions.

Shakir scored a key third-quarter touchdown, Coleman showed promise as a rookie, and Kincaid added another red zone score. For Arizona, Michael Wilson’s touchdown gave early momentum. Greg Dortch and Trey McBride provided reliable short-yardage gains, while rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had only one catch for four yards, a quiet start in his debut game.

Defensive Highlights

Defense shaped the outcome of the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats. Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau was the standout player, finishing with three sacks, a forced fumble, and a strip-sack that shifted momentum. Linebacker Terrel Bernard added eleven tackles, giving the Bills strength in the middle. In the closing minutes, Damar Hamlin and Ja’Marcus Ingram broke up a key pass to stop Arizona’s last drive.

For Arizona, Budda Baker made seven tackles and led with effort in the secondary. The Cardinals managed to hold Buffalo to just three third-down conversions out of nine, but they still gave up 352 total yards. Their defense could not consistently stop Allen’s rushing or Buffalo’s balanced passing attack, which proved costly.

Special Teams

Special teams added their own drama. DeeJay Dallas of Arizona returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, the first under the NFL’s new kickoff rules. That play, followed by a two-point conversion, brought the Cardinals back to within three points at 31–28.

Kicker Matt Prater was reliable, making both of his field goals and scoring ten points. Buffalo’s special teams did not deliver highlights but remained solid, avoiding mistakes and keeping field position steady.

Team Statistics

The team totals give a clear picture of the contest.

Arizona converted more third downs, but Buffalo was stronger in yards per play and made the most of scoring opportunities. That efficiency is what ultimately gave them the edge.

Rivalry and Later Games

This was just one of several meetings between the two teams in the 2024–25 season. On October 20, 2024, Buffalo won again, 28–24, with another comeback led by Allen. On January 5, 2025, the teams met in the season finale, with Buffalo winning 31–27 in a game that had playoff importance. Allen threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns in that matchup, while Stefon Diggs added 140 yards and two scores.

Looking at the rivalry overall, Buffalo leads the all-time series 10–6. In the last five meetings, the Bills have won three, while Arizona has taken two. Many of these games have been close, decided by late plays and small margins.

What the Stats Show

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats do more than list numbers. They highlight Buffalo’s resilience, led by Josh Allen’s ability to both pass and run. They also show Arizona’s potential, with Kyler Murray’s speed, James Conner’s steady running, and the early steps of a young receiving group.

Buffalo’s defense found ways to create game-changing moments, while Arizona’s defense played hard but struggled to keep up under constant pressure. Special teams brought excitement, proving that a single return can shift momentum in dramatic ways.

Closing Reflection

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats tell the story of a game filled with excitement, adjustments, and determination. Buffalo’s win reflected their ability to stay calm, adapt, and finish strong. Arizona showed courage, energy, and flashes of promise, even though they could not close out the game.

The stats remind us that football is not only about numbers but also about effort. Every touchdown, tackle, and return reflects the work of players giving their best on the field. This game will be remembered not only for its final score but for how it revealed the strengths and challenges of both teams.

For fans, analysts, and future matchups, the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats stand as a clear example of why football is both precise and deeply inspiring.