The Buffalo Bills delivered a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat the Arizona Cardinals 34–28 in one of the most exciting NFL games of the season.
The clash showcased elite quarterback play, bold coaching decisions, and game-changing defensive moments.
Josh Allen once again proved why he’s one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, while Kyler Murray showed flashes of brilliance despite the loss.
This full breakdown of the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats covers every highlight, turning point, and postgame reaction from an unforgettable battle.
Match Summary Table
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 10 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 28 |
| Buffalo Bills | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 | 34 |
Key Player Stats
| Player | Team | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | 232 | 39 | 4 (2 Pass, 2 Rush) | 0 |
| Kyler Murray | Arizona Cardinals | 162 | 57 | 2 (1 Pass, 1 Rush) | 1 (Fumble) |
| James Conner | Arizona Cardinals | 50 | – | 1 (Rush) | 0 |
| Khalil Shakir | Buffalo Bills | 42 | – | 1 (Rec) | 0 |
| Greg Rousseau | Buffalo Bills | – | – | 3 Sacks, 1 FF | 0 |
| DeeJay Dallas | Arizona Cardinals | – | 96 (Kick Return) | 1 (KR TD) | 0 |
Josh Allen’s Heroics Lead the Bills to Victory
Josh Allen was unstoppable once again, guiding his team to a comeback win that fans won’t soon forget.
He completed 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns, and added 39 rushing yards with two rushing scores.
The defining moment came when Allen hurdled Budda Baker on a 6-yard rushing touchdown, putting Buffalo ahead 31–20 in the fourth quarter.
That play instantly became one of the season’s most talked-about highlights.
Although Allen’s left hand was heavily wrapped postgame, early reports suggest no major injury.
His leadership, confidence, and grit powered Buffalo’s offense throughout the second half.
This section perfectly illustrates the core of the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats — a game defined by star power and heart.
Kyler Murray’s Performance Highlights for the Cardinals
Kyler Murray started strong, completing 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 57 yards.
In the first half, Murray looked sharp and in total control, moving the chains efficiently and creating problems for Buffalo’s defense.
However, the second half exposed Arizona’s offensive inconsistency.
Buffalo’s defense adjusted, forcing shorter throws and reducing Murray’s scrambling lanes.
Still, Murray’s poise and athleticism were bright spots.
He continues to be the driving force for an Arizona offense that’s rebuilding around him and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
First Half Breakdown: Cardinals Take Early Control
The first half was all Arizona.
Murray commanded the offense, James Conner ran with power, and the Cardinals’ defense contained Buffalo’s big plays.
Conner’s 1-yard rushing touchdown and Matt Prater’s field goal gave Arizona a 10–0 lead.
Murray then added a short touchdown pass, and suddenly the Cardinals were ahead 17–3 before halftime.
Buffalo’s offense couldn’t find its rhythm.
Allen was pressured often, and the timing with his new receivers seemed off.
But once the teams returned from halftime, everything changed — setting the stage for a classic comeback.
Second Half Comeback Sparks Buffalo Momentum
The second half belonged entirely to Buffalo.
Head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady made the right adjustments, giving Allen more flexibility to attack downfield.
Early in the third quarter, Greg Rousseau sacked Murray, forced a fumble, and gave the Bills a short field.
A few plays later, Khalil Shakir caught a touchdown pass to make it 17–10.
From that point on, Buffalo’s offense exploded.
Allen added two rushing touchdowns, including the unforgettable hurdle over Budda Baker that electrified the crowd.
By the fourth quarter, Buffalo’s confidence was unshakable.
They outscored Arizona 31–11 in the second half, turning what looked like a sure loss into an impressive win — the kind reflected clearly in the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats sheet.
Offensive Leaders from the Bills
Buffalo’s revamped offense stepped up in a big way, proving that life after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis can still be productive.
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Keon Coleman (Rookie): 4 receptions, 51 yards
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Khalil Shakir: 3 receptions, 42 yards, 1 touchdown
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Mack Hollins: 2 receptions, 25 yards, 1 touchdown
Keon Coleman impressed in his debut with reliable hands and confident route running.
Shakir’s touchdown was a momentum changer, and Hollins’s veteran presence brought balance to the receiving group.
The Bills finished with 352 total offensive yards, showing excellent efficiency.
Allen distributed the ball well, proving that this new offense could be even more dynamic than before.
Key Offensive Plays by the Cardinals
Arizona’s offense had several notable moments despite falling short:
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Murray’s early touchdown pass that gave them control.
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James Conner’s power run for a touchdown.
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DeeJay Dallas’s 96-yard kickoff return touchdown, the first under the NFL’s new kickoff format.
That kickoff return gave the Cardinals late-game hope, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 31–28 with just minutes to play.
Still, Buffalo’s defense came up big when it mattered most, forcing Arizona into a turnover on downs.
Defensive Stars and Game-Changing Sacks
Buffalo’s defense was the true difference-maker.
Greg Rousseau delivered the best performance of his career — 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and consistent pressure.
His dominance completely changed the game’s tone.
Damar Hamlin and Ja’Marcus Ingram sealed the win with clutch pass breakups on Arizona’s final drive.
McDermott praised their effort, saying his defense “stepped up under pressure and made championship-level plays.”
In the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, Rousseau’s performance stands out as one of the biggest defensive efforts of the week.
Cardinals’ Defensive Standouts Under Pressure
In the first half, Arizona’s defense played nearly flawless football.
Budda Baker, Zaven Collins, and Jalen Thompson all made critical tackles to limit Buffalo’s big plays.
But as the game progressed, Buffalo’s fast pace began wearing them down.
Allen’s ability to escape pressure created openings that Arizona’s defense couldn’t close.
Despite the fatigue, the Cardinals’ defense deserves credit for their aggressive start and disciplined tackling early on.
Special Teams Impact and Kickoff Return Touchdown
Special teams had a major influence on the game’s outcome.
DeeJay Dallas made NFL history by returning a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, marking the first score under the league’s new kickoff rules.
That play cut Buffalo’s lead late and gave Arizona a chance to tie it on their next possession.
Although the comeback fell short, Dallas’s explosive return was a highlight that fans will remember.
Buffalo’s special teams also performed well, avoiding major mistakes and maintaining excellent field position throughout the night.
Rookie Debuts: Keon Coleman and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Two exciting rookies made their NFL debuts:
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Keon Coleman (Bills): 4 catches, 51 yards
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Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals): 1 catch, 4 yards
Coleman’s composure stood out as he quickly earned Josh Allen’s trust.
Harrison Jr., meanwhile, faced tight coverage and limited opportunities but remains a key piece in Arizona’s offensive plans.
This game will be remembered as the first chapter in their professional careers — both listed prominently in the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats record.
Coaching Strategies and Postgame Reactions
Coaching adjustments made all the difference.
Sean McDermott trusted his players and made key halftime tweaks that allowed Buffalo to dominate the second half.
After the game, he said,
“Our team has heart. They never give up, and that’s what makes us dangerous.”
Jonathan Gannon, while disappointed, acknowledged his team’s strong start:
“We were up 17–3 and lost — we have to finish games.”
McDermott’s experience and confidence guided Buffalo to victory, while Gannon’s young squad learned another hard but valuable lesson.
Turning Points That Defined the Game
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Rousseau’s strip-sack in the third quarter sparked Buffalo’s rally.
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Shakir’s touchdown gave the Bills belief.
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Allen’s hurdle touchdown created unstoppable momentum.
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Dallas’s kickoff return tightened the game.
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Hamlin’s fourth-down breakup secured Buffalo’s victory.
Each of these moments showed the importance of resilience and focus in a tight NFL contest.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
Postgame updates revealed Josh Allen’s left hand was wrapped for precautionary reasons, but no major injury was reported.
Buffalo continues to manage defensive injuries, but the backups have stepped up admirably.
Arizona avoided significant injuries, though conditioning and endurance will be key areas to address after another late-game fade.
Historical Record and Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Recap
This win pushes Buffalo’s all-time record against Arizona to 8–5, with the Bills now outscoring the Cardinals 326–297 across all matchups.
Looking at the Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats, it’s clear the Bills’ second-half dominance defined the result.
Allen’s efficiency, Rousseau’s pressure, and Shakir’s timely touchdown all contributed to Buffalo’s comeback victory.
Kyler Murray and James Conner gave Arizona hope early, but the lack of sustained drives in the second half proved costly.
The matchup reinforced Buffalo’s status as an AFC powerhouse and highlighted Arizona’s growing pains.
Final Thoughts
The Buffalo Bills’ 34–28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals was a showcase of determination, adaptability, and star power.
From Josh Allen’s leaping touchdown to Greg Rousseau’s defensive showcase and DeeJay Dallas’s historic kickoff return, it had all the ingredients of a classic.
The Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills match player stats not only reflect a game full of drama but also reveal a deeper story — one about heart, leadership, and how teams respond under pressure.
For Buffalo, it’s a statement win that cements their resilience.
For Arizona, it’s a reminder that early leads mean little without strong finishes.
Either way, this matchup will be remembered as one of the most exciting and well-fought games of the NFL season.
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