Cardinals vs Bills: Arizona Falls Short in High-Scoring Season Opener Against Buffalo
The Arizona Cardinals put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against the Buffalo Bills, losing 34-28 in a game that featured explosive offenses and high-stakes drama.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were eager to make a statement in their season openers. The Cardinals got on the board first with a touchdown pass from quarterback Kyler Murray to Michael Wilson, giving them an early 7-0 lead. However, the Bills, led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen, refused to be intimidated and quickly responded with a field goal to cut the deficit.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both offenses showcasing their firepower. Murray was efficient and productive, completing 16 of 19 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown before halftime. However, it was Allen who stole the show, leading the Bills on a late drive that culminated in a rushing touchdown just before the half, cutting the Cardinals’ lead to 20-17 at the break.
The second half saw the Bills take control of the game, as Allen continued to torment the Cardinals defense with his arm and legs. He finished the day with 232 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and two rushing touchdowns, adding 41 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, the Bills’ running game, led by James Cook and Devin Singletary, also had a big day, racking up over 100 yards on the ground.
Despite Murray’s best efforts, the Cardinals offense struggled to keep pace in the second half. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times and struggled to find open receivers downfield. First-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. had a quiet debut, catching just one pass for four yards on three targets.
One bright spot for the Cardinals was their special teams play, as DeeJay Dallas returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, briefly giving them hope of a comeback. However, the Bills defense held firm, and Allen sealed the victory with a game-clinching field goal in the final seconds.
After the game, both teams reflected on their performances. Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury praised his team’s effort but acknowledged that they had come up short against a talented Bills squad. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, and it was,” Kingsbury said. “We just didn’t make enough plays down the stretch.”
Allen, meanwhile, was effusive in his praise for his teammates and the Bills organization. “This is a great win for us,” he said. “Everybody contributed, and it feels good to get off to a good start.”