Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills: Complete Match Player Stats Analysis
When the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills square off, fans expect more than just a game — they expect fireworks. Both teams bring contrasting philosophies and star power, producing high-tempo matchups where player performance often decides the outcome. This detailed analysis explores their latest clash, revisits the history of their meetings, and unpacks the numbers that tell the real story.
Rivalry Overview
Although these two teams don’t meet every season, their encounters have produced memorable moments. Buffalo often relies on physicality, balance, and the dynamic abilities of quarterback Josh Allen. Arizona, with Kyler Murray at the helm, emphasizes speed, mobility, and unpredictability. When these styles collide, the result is always fascinating.
Historically, Buffalo has held a slight edge in the head-to-head record. Yet every meeting feels fresh, with both sides capable of dramatic comebacks and clutch performances. The “Hail Murray” game in 2020 cemented the rivalry as one of the most entertaining inter-conference matchups in recent memory. The 2024 edition continued that tradition — another game packed with big plays, tight margins, and brilliant individual efforts.
2024 Match Recap: Bills 34, Cardinals 28
The latest showdown saw Buffalo claim a hard-fought 34–28 victory over Arizona. The scoreline reflected a true back-and-forth battle, where offensive brilliance and defensive grit alternated drive by drive.
Team Statistics Snapshot
- Total Yards: Arizona outgained Buffalo 352 to 270.
- Passing Yards: Arizona 222, Buffalo 146.
- Rushing Yards: Buffalo 124, Arizona 130.
- Third-Down Efficiency: Arizona converted 7 of 13, Buffalo 3 of 9.
- Turnovers: One lost fumble each.
- Sacks: Buffalo 4, Arizona 2.
- Time of Possession: Nearly even across both teams.
Arizona’s offense moved the ball efficiently, but Buffalo’s red-zone precision and situational awareness turned yardage into points. That difference — efficiency over volume — ultimately defined the outcome.
Quarterbacks: Duel of Dynamic Playmakers
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Josh Allen once again showcased why he’s considered one of the league’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks. He completed 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns, maintaining a completion rate above 78%. What separated his performance was his contribution on the ground — 9 carries for 39 yards and two additional rushing touchdowns.
Allen’s ability to extend plays, shrug off tackles, and deliver precision throws under pressure made the difference. On several key third downs, he escaped collapsing pockets to either scramble for first downs or hit receivers in tight windows. He played like a conductor, orchestrating the tempo of the game.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Kyler Murray’s stat line was efficient, though not explosive: 21 completions on 31 attempts for 162 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He added 57 yards on five rushing attempts, demonstrating his trademark agility.
While Murray protected the ball and moved the offense steadily, Buffalo’s defense limited his deep throws and forced short-yardage completions. His quick footwork kept plays alive, but the Bills’ containment strategy prevented him from breaking off the long, back-breaking runs that often define his highlights.
Ground Game: Tough Runs and Tactical Bursts
Arizona Cardinals
- James Conner: 16 carries for 50 yards and one touchdown.
- Emari Demercado: Mixed in as a change-of-pace back, contributing both as a rusher and receiver.
- Kyler Murray: Added vital yards on scrambles, often converting third downs.
Conner’s running style — hard-nosed and direct — gave Arizona a dependable option in the trenches. Though the average per carry wasn’t high, his physicality helped sustain drives.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s ground production was built around committee efficiency rather than dominance. Allen accounted for two of the rushing touchdowns himself, showing how the Bills weaponize their quarterback near the goal line. Running backs filled in short-yardage roles, keeping the chains moving without risking turnovers.
Receiving Game: Balanced but Impactful
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s passing attack spread the ball around, emphasizing short and intermediate routes.
- Greg Dortch: 6 receptions for 47 yards, acting as Murray’s safety valve.
- Trey McBride: 5 receptions for 30 yards, contributing to key third-down conversions.
- Elijah Higgins: Scored the team’s lone receiving touchdown.
- Demercado and Conner: Combined for additional receiving yards from the backfield.
Although no single player eclipsed 50 yards, the offense thrived on spreading targets — a sign of trust in the scheme and multiple receiving options.
Buffalo Bills
- Mack Hollins: 2 catches, 25 yards, and one touchdown.
- Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman: Added short bursts of yardage, including a touchdown from Shakir.
- Running Backs: Contributed several catches, giving Allen quick dump-off options.
Buffalo’s passing stats weren’t gaudy, but they were efficient. Every completion seemed to come in a key situation — third downs, red zone plays, or drive-sustaining moments. That strategic precision was a major difference between winning and losing.
Defensive Impact: Pressure, Containment, and Playmaking
Defense often determines who closes out games, and this matchup was no exception.
Buffalo Bills Defense
Buffalo’s defensive front wreaked havoc.
- Greg Rousseau: 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and multiple quarterback pressures — easily the defensive standout of the game.
- Von Miller: Added another sack and consistently forced Arizona’s offensive line to shift protection.
- Linebackers and Secondary: Contained Murray’s scramble lanes while limiting explosive downfield plays.
The Bills’ discipline on defense complemented Allen’s composure on offense, creating a full-team performance that punished every small Arizona miscue.
Arizona Cardinals Defense
Arizona’s defenders played aggressively, generating two sacks and several tackles for loss.
- Roy Lopez: Recorded a key sack and disrupted Buffalo’s running lanes.
- Kyzir White: 11 tackles and 1 tackle for loss, a commanding performance in the middle.
- Budda Baker: 10 tackles, bringing energy and leadership to the secondary.
Despite strong individual performances, Arizona’s defense couldn’t contain Allen’s red-zone creativity or prevent late-drive conversions. The effort was valiant, but a few blown assignments in critical moments made the difference.
Special Teams: The Game’s Hidden Storyline
Every close contest has an unsung hero, and here, that came on special teams.
DeeJay Dallas produced the game’s most electrifying play: a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown that reignited Arizona’s chances in the second half. It was a perfectly executed return — sharp blocking, explosive acceleration, and flawless timing. That single play swung momentum, narrowing the gap and energizing the Cardinals sideline.
Buffalo’s special teams, meanwhile, were steady and error-free. Clean field-goal execution and solid coverage pinned Arizona deep several times, indirectly shaping the field position battle that favored the Bills by game’s end.
Comparing to the 2020 Classic: The “Hail Murray” Benchmark
When comparing the 2024 matchup to the unforgettable 2020 game — the one forever known as the “Hail Murray” — a clear evolution emerges.
In 2020, Kyler Murray delivered a jaw-dropping, last-second 43-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins. That play instantly became one of the greatest highlights in modern football. Murray’s stat line that day was 245 passing yards, 61 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Josh Allen, equally impressive, threw for 284 yards and two scores. That game was chaos — a Hollywood ending.
The 2024 encounter, by contrast, was more tactical and balanced. It showcased matured versions of both quarterbacks, stronger defensive planning, and disciplined situational football. Instead of a single miracle moment, it was a chess match of execution and resilience. Buffalo’s calculated efficiency ultimately outlasted Arizona’s flair.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Efficiency Beats Volume
Arizona gained more yards overall, but Buffalo’s ability to finish drives — not just start them — was decisive. Efficiency trumped raw production. - Quarterback Duality
Both Allen and Murray displayed their trademark dual-threat talents. The difference was consistency: Allen capitalized in the red zone, while Murray’s offense stalled at key junctures. - Defensive Line Wins Games
Rousseau’s three sacks and Buffalo’s consistent pressure forced Arizona into shorter throws and disrupted rhythm. Defensive control set up offensive success. - Special Teams Momentum
Dallas’s 96-yard return underscored how critical special teams are in tight games. One explosive play can redefine the scoreboard instantly. - Evolution of the Rivalry
Over the years, this matchup has evolved from chaotic finishes to strategic duels. Both teams now possess elite quarterbacks, aggressive defenses, and modern play-calling schemes that ensure future meetings will remain must-watch events.
Statistical Highlights Recap
| Category | Arizona Cardinals | Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 28 | 34 |
| Total Yards | 352 | 270 |
| Passing Yards | 222 | 146 |
| Rushing Yards | 130 | 124 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 2 | 4 |
| Leading Passer | Kyler Murray – 162 YDS, 1 TD | Josh Allen – 232 YDS, 2 TD |
| Leading Rusher | Kyler Murray – 57 YDS | Josh Allen – 39 YDS, 2 TD |
| Top Receiver | Greg Dortch – 47 YDS | Mack Hollins – 25 YDS, 1 TD |
| Defensive Star | Kyzir White – 11 tackles | Greg Rousseau – 3 sacks, 1 FF |
| Special Teams Highlight | DeeJay Dallas – 96-YD KR TD | Steady coverage, clean kicking |
This summary shows how both teams performed across every phase — offense, defense, and special teams — giving readers a comprehensive statistical lens on the contest.
The Broader Picture
The Cardinals and Bills continue to represent two evolving blueprints of modern football. Arizona’s creativity on offense, rooted in speed and flexibility, meets Buffalo’s structured, power-balanced attack. The 2024 matchup demonstrated that even with different identities, both teams thrive on the same fundamentals: turnover control, red-zone precision, and momentum management.
If this latest chapter is any indication, future meetings will continue to mix explosive highlights with technical mastery — the very blend that makes football compelling.
Final Reflection
Numbers alone rarely capture emotion, but in this case, they do tell the story. The Arizona Cardinals showcased tenacity and playmaking potential, while the Buffalo Bills exemplified discipline and composure. Every yard gained, every sack, and every touchdown added to the unfolding narrative of two teams pushing each other to their limits.
For football enthusiasts and analysts alike, this matchup is a goldmine of lessons in execution, adaptability, and the razor-thin line between triumph and heartbreak.
This in-depth analysis is presented by Buz Vista, where sports meet statistics and stories intertwine.