The Buffalo Bills pulled off a stunning comeback against the Arizona Cardinals, winning 34-28 after trailing 17-3 early in the game. Josh Allen led the charge with four total touchdowns, while Greg Rousseau’s defensive dominance turned the tide in Buffalo’s favor.
This Week 1 matchup at Highmark Stadium gave fans everything they wanted—explosive plays, clutch performances, and a glimpse into both teams’ potential for the season. Let’s break down the complete player statistics and key performances that defined this thrilling contest.
| Game Stats | Arizona Cardinals | Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 28 | 34 |
| Total Yards | 270 | 352 |
| Passing Yards | 146 | 222 |
| Rushing Yards | 124 | 130 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 29:30 | 30:30 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 7/13 (54%) | 3/9 (33%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2/4 (50%) | 4/6 (67%) |
Josh Allen’s Dominant 4-Touchdown Performance
Josh Allen put on a clinic in this comeback win. The Bills quarterback completed 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards and two touchdown passes, adding 39 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. His 78.3% completion percentage showed incredible accuracy under pressure.
Allen’s most memorable play came when he hurdled Cardinals safety Budda Baker on a six-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. This score put Buffalo ahead 31-20 with 8:31 remaining and essentially sealed the victory. He spread the ball to nine different receivers, proving Buffalo’s offense could thrive without Stefon Diggs.
The quarterback’s seven-yard rushing touchdown before halftime cut Arizona’s lead to 17-10 and shifted the game’s momentum completely. Allen finished with 271 total yards and zero interceptions, showing why he’s considered one of the NFL’s elite signal-callers.
Kyler Murray’s Efficient But Losing Effort
Kyler Murray completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown for Arizona. While his passing numbers weren’t spectacular, Murray led all Cardinals rushers with 57 yards on five carries, including a critical 29-yard scramble in the third quarter.
Murray’s mobility kept drives alive throughout the game. He connected with Michael Wilson for a five-yard touchdown in the first quarter, giving Arizona an early 7-0 lead. His ability to extend plays with his legs created several big gains, but Buffalo’s defense adjusted in the second half.
The Cardinals quarterback showed he’s fully recovered from his ACL injury that cost him most of the previous season. Murray’s 3-5 finish to end that year carried over with early success, but his offense stalled when it mattered most in the second half.
James Conner’s Ground Game Impact
James Conner carried 16 times for 50 yards and one touchdown for Arizona. His three-yard scoring run in the second quarter gave the Cardinals their largest lead at 17-3. Conner also contributed in the passing game with five receptions for 30 yards on nine targets.
The veteran running back showed his dual-threat ability by serving as Murray’s safety valve on several third downs. His physical running style wore down Buffalo’s defense early, but the Bills adjusted and limited his effectiveness in the second half.
Conner’s 66 total yards from scrimmage demonstrated why he remains Arizona’s offensive centerpiece. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield added another dimension to the Cardinals’ attack.
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James Cook’s All-Purpose Excellence
James Cook rushed for 39 yards on nine carries while adding three receptions for 32 yards. His versatility kept Buffalo’s offense balanced throughout the game. Cook’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield gave Allen another reliable target.
The Bills running back showed patience waiting for holes to develop. His contributions in the passing game proved crucial on third downs, helping Buffalo sustain drives during their comeback.
Cook’s 71 total yards from scrimmage spread across 12 touches showed the Bills’ commitment to keeping him involved. His performance complemented Allen’s aerial assault perfectly.
Greg Rousseau’s Career-Best Defensive Show
Greg Rousseau delivered a game-changing performance with three sacks, including one that forced a fumble. His strip-sack of Murray in the third quarter, recovered by Dorian Williams at Arizona’s 21-yard line, led directly to Buffalo’s go-ahead touchdown.
The defensive end’s pressure collapsed Arizona’s offensive line repeatedly. His first sack came on the Cardinals’ opening drive of the second half, stalling their momentum after building a comfortable lead. The fumble recovery at 5:32 in the third quarter proved to be the game’s turning point.
Rousseau finished with six total tackles (three solo) and consistently disrupted Murray’s timing. His performance showed why Buffalo selected him in the first round and why he’s become a cornerstone of their defensive line.
Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Quiet Debut
Marvin Harrison Jr., the fourth overall pick in the draft, had a near-invisible NFL debut. He caught just one pass for four yards on three targets. The highly-touted rookie couldn’t find separation against Buffalo’s secondary.
Harrison’s quiet performance raised questions about his transition to NFL speed and physicality. Buffalo’s defense clearly focused on limiting his impact, and it worked. The rookie will need time to adjust to facing NFL cornerbacks weekly.
Despite the disappointing debut, one game rarely defines a career. Harrison showed flashes during training camp that suggest better performances are coming.
Khalil Shakir’s Touchdown Connection
Khalil Shakir caught three passes for 42 yards and one touchdown. His 11-yard scoring reception from Allen in the third quarter gave Buffalo its first lead of the game at 24-17. Shakir’s route-running created separation in the red zone.
The Bills receiver showed excellent yards-after-catch ability throughout the game. His chemistry with Allen continued to grow, making him a reliable target on crucial downs.
Shakir’s touchdown catch showcased his body control as he rolled over defensive lineman Justin Jones before extending the ball across the goal line. His 14 yards per reception average demonstrated his big-play potential.
Keon Coleman’s Promising NFL Debut
Rookie Keon Coleman led all Bills pass-catchers with four receptions for 51 yards. His 28-yard catch in the fourth quarter set up Allen’s go-ahead rushing touchdown. Coleman showed why Buffalo selected him in the second round.
The rookie receiver displayed strong hands and excellent body control along the sidelines. His 12.8 yards per catch showed his ability to stretch the field and create chunk plays.
Coleman’s performance answered questions about Buffalo’s receiver depth after losing Stefon Diggs. His chemistry with Allen developed quickly, suggesting a bright future ahead.
Greg Dortch’s Reliable Target Work
Greg Dortch emerged as Murray’s most dependable receiver with six catches for 52 yards. He moved the chains on several third downs, keeping Arizona’s drives alive throughout the game.
Dortch’s quickness in the slot created mismatches against Buffalo’s linebackers. His route-running precision helped Murray find him in traffic multiple times. The slot receiver also returned one punt for six yards.
His 8.7 yards per reception reflected his role as a possession receiver. Dortch’s ability to work the middle of the field provided Murray with a reliable safety valve.
Trey McBride’s Tight End Production
Trey McBride caught four passes for 47 yards. The Cardinals tight end consistently found soft spots in Buffalo’s zone coverage. His ability to work the seams gave Murray another trusted target.
McBride’s 11.8 yards per catch showed his ability to create after the catch. He converted several first downs with his physical style and reliable hands. The tight end’s blocking also helped spring James Conner on running plays.
His performance continued his strong development from the previous season. McBride’s versatility makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
DeeJay Dallas Makes Kickoff Return History
DeeJay Dallas made history with the first kickoff return touchdown under the NFL’s new kickoff rules. He fielded the ball at Arizona’s 4-yard line, found a seam up the middle, then broke to the left sideline for a 96-yard score.
The return cut Buffalo’s lead to 31-28 with 8:31 remaining, giving Arizona hope for a comeback. Dallas’s vision and speed turned a routine touchback into a game-changing moment. His 123 kickoff return yards (three returns) showed his value on special teams.
The touchdown showcased the new rule’s potential for explosive plays. Dallas’s patience waiting for blocks to develop made the difference.
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Buffalo’s Defensive Adjustments Won the Game
Buffalo’s defense held Arizona to just 11 points in the second half after allowing 17 in the first. This adjustment proved critical in securing the comeback victory. The Bills sacked Murray three times total, with Rousseau’s three sacks leading the way.
Terrel Bernard led Buffalo with seven tackles (three solo), showing strong coverage skills against Arizona’s running backs. Cam Lewis added six tackles while helping contain Murray’s scrambling ability.
Dorian Williams’s fumble recovery in the third quarter gave Buffalo’s offense a short field. The defense’s ability to get off the field on third down in the second half changed the game’s complexion.
Cardinals Defense Couldn’t Stop Allen
Arizona’s defense struggled to contain Allen’s dual-threat ability. Budda Baker led the Cardinals with six tackles (four solo) but became famous for getting hurdled by Allen near the goal line. The safety’s coverage skills couldn’t overcome Allen’s size and athleticism.
Zaven Collins recorded five solo tackles and six assists while playing a key role in run defense. Mack Wilson added five tackles (four solo) and maintained gap integrity throughout most of the game.
The Cardinals managed just one sack on Allen, allowing him too much time to find open receivers. Their inability to generate consistent pressure proved costly in crunch time.
Special Teams and Kicking Performances
Tyler Bass handled placekicking duties for Buffalo, converting all four extra points and making field goals from 37 and 39 yards. His consistency kept points on the board during Buffalo’s comeback.
Matt Prater went 2-for-2 on extra points for Arizona and made field goals from 29 and 31 yards. Both kickers performed flawlessly despite winds gusting up to 30 mph at Highmark Stadium.
Sam Martin averaged 42.5 yards on two punts for Buffalo, while Blake Gillikin averaged 39.0 yards for Arizona. The limited punting reflected both teams’ aggressive offensive approaches.
Third Down and Red Zone Efficiency Decided Outcome
Buffalo converted four of six red zone opportunities into touchdowns (67%), while Arizona managed just two touchdowns on four red zone trips (50%). This nine-point difference in red zone scoring closely matched the final margin.
Allen’s ability to score rushing touchdowns inside the 10-yard line proved crucial. His size and athleticism created matchup problems that Arizona couldn’t solve. Buffalo’s 67% red zone touchdown rate ranked among the league’s best in Week 1.
Arizona’s conservative play-calling in the red zone led to two field goals instead of touchdowns. These missed opportunities cost them dearly in a six-point loss.
Key Takeaways from Player Statistics
This game showed Buffalo’s ability to win without elite receivers. Allen’s connection with nine different pass-catchers proved the offense’s versatility. Rookie Keon Coleman’s strong debut suggested Buffalo found a potential number-one receiver.
Arizona’s offense looked promising in the first half but couldn’t maintain consistency. Murray’s mobility kept plays alive, but his weapons beyond Dortch and McBride didn’t produce enough. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s quiet debut showed he needs time to adjust.
Greg Rousseau’s defensive dominance changed the game’s trajectory. His three sacks and forced fumble showcased elite pass-rushing ability. Buffalo’s defense showed they could make second-half adjustments to shut down opposing offenses.
The 34-28 final score reflected a game where execution in crucial moments separated the teams. Buffalo’s superior red zone efficiency and defensive adjustments in the second half proved decisive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many touchdowns did Josh Allen score against the Cardinals?
Josh Allen scored four total touchdowns—two passing and two rushing. He threw touchdown passes to Mack Hollins (11 yards) and Khalil Shakir (11 yards), while rushing for scores of seven and six yards.
Q2: What were Kyler Murray’s stats in the Bills vs Cardinals game?
Kyler Murray completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown with zero interceptions. He also led Arizona in rushing with 57 yards on five carries, showing his dual-threat ability.
Q3: Who led the Bills in receiving yards?
Rookie Keon Coleman led Buffalo’s receivers with four catches for 51 yards. Khalil Shakir had three receptions for 42 yards and one touchdown, while James Cook added three catches for 32 yards.
Q4: How many sacks did Greg Rousseau have?
Greg Rousseau recorded three sacks in his career-best performance. One of his sacks forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Dorian Williams at Arizona’s 21-yard line, leading to a Buffalo touchdown.
Q5: What was significant about DeeJay Dallas’s kickoff return?
DeeJay Dallas scored the first kickoff return touchdown under the NFL’s new kickoff rules. His 96-yard return from Arizona’s 4-yard line cut Buffalo’s lead to 31-28 with 8:31 remaining in the fourth quarter.
