The arizona cardinals vs miami dolphins match player stats give a full picture of a dramatic 28–27 win by Arizona. Played at Hard Rock Stadium, the game had thrilling plays, strong defense, and a last-second finish. Both teams fought hard. Stats tell the full story, from passing yards to touchdowns.
Final Score and Team Summary
The game ended with Arizona winning by just one point. Arizona gained 389 total yards. Miami had 377 yards. The possession was nearly equal. Neither team had an interception. But small errors made big differences. Arizona made fewer mistakes. Their offense stayed sharp in the final quarter.
Game Context and Importance
This match came at a critical point in the season. Arizona needed a win to stay in the NFC West race. Miami hoped to bounce back from back-to-back losses. Both coaches had pressure to deliver results. This game was more than just numbers. It was about momentum and morale.
Key Quarterback Stats: Cardinals vs Dolphins Showdown
Kyler Murray’s Performance Breakdown
Kyler Murray looked sharp. He completed 26 of 36 passes. He threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns. His passer rating was over 116. He avoided sacks and managed the clock well. His 19 rushing yards also added value. Murray showed why he’s still one of the most dynamic QBs.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Accuracy and Impact
Tua Tagovailoa had a solid game. He went 28 for 38. He threw for 234 yards and one touchdown. He had a QB rating close to 98. He also ran for 13 yards. But a fumble and a safety in key moments hurt his team. His timing and decision-making were just slightly off.
Touchdown Leaders and Game-Changing Plays
Red Zone Efficiency by Both Teams
Arizona scored four touchdowns in the red zone. Miami got three. Murray’s red zone accuracy helped his team a lot. Miami used the run game effectively near the goal line. But Arizona’s balance made a difference. When both teams entered the red zone, Arizona was more efficient.
Best Offensive Drives of the Game
The best drive was Arizona’s final one. Thirteen plays, 71 yards, and over five minutes. It ended with a game-winning 34-yard field goal. Earlier in the game, Miami had a long drive that ended in a touchdown. But Arizona’s late-game poise stood out most.
Defensive Standouts and Tackle Leaders
Top Defensive Plays from Each Side
Budda Baker made his presence known. He recorded 12 total tackles. His tackles came at crucial moments. Miami’s Jaelan Phillips also showed his skills. He had four key stops. Both defenses made important stands, especially on third downs. It was a physical, hard-hitting game throughout.
Sacks, Interceptions, and Forced Fumbles
There were no quarterback sacks in this game. That’s rare in a close matchup. However, Arizona forced a safety early in the second half. Miami lost a fumble that changed momentum. While interceptions didn’t happen, both teams pressured effectively. Mistakes were limited but still mattered.
Rushing Game Analysis: Cardinals vs Dolphins
Top Running Backs and Yardage
Arizona’s James Conner ran 20 times for 53 yards and a touchdown. He wasn’t explosive, but he was reliable. Kyler Murray added 19 rushing yards. For Miami, De’Von Achane stood out. He rushed 10 times for 97 yards. His big runs helped keep Miami in the game.
Key Runs and Drive Momentum
Achane’s 47-yard run was the longest of the game. It set up a Miami touchdown. Conner had several key first-down runs. In the fourth quarter, his 2-yard touchdown tied the game. Momentum swung back and forth all night. The ground game was vital to both offenses.
Receiving Stats and Top Pass Catchers
Best Wide Receiver Performances
Trey McBride had a monster game. Nine catches for 124 yards. He made tough catches over the middle. Marvin Harrison Jr. added six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. For Miami, Tyreek Hill had six receptions for 72 yards. Each team’s top targets were heavily involved.
Yards After Catch and Key Receptions
McBride gained lots of yards after the catch. He averaged nearly 14 yards per grab. Harrison Jr. was explosive, too. His big catch in the second half set up a score. Tyreek Hill got open but was contained after the catch. The difference came in key third-down conversions.
Special Teams Performance Recap
Field Goals, Punts, and Returns
Arizona’s kicker Chad Ryland had a huge night. He nailed a 57-yard kick and the 34-yard game-winner. Miami’s Jason Sanders hit two field goals as well. Punts were effective but not game-changing. Returns didn’t lead to any touchdowns, but field position was key all night.
Impact of Special Teams on Final Score
Special teams decided the game. Ryland’s clutch field goal gave Arizona the edge. Earlier, a good punt pinned Miami deep. That set up the safety. Field position mattered more than ever in a close game. Both special teams played well, but Arizona’s made the difference.
Injury Reports and Player Updates
In-Game Injuries and Substitutions
Arizona lost defensive lineman Naquan Jones early. Miami safety Jevon Holland exited with a knee issue. Both teams had to rotate backups. These injuries didn’t decide the game but had some impact. Depth became a factor in the second half.
Post-Game Medical Insights
Initial reports suggest both injured players may return soon. No season-ending injuries were reported. That’s good news for both teams moving forward. Coaches will keep an eye on them this week. Substitutes filled in, but depth is now a concern heading into Week 9.
Coach Decisions and Strategic Plays
Timeouts, Challenges, and Play Calls
Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon went for a two-point conversion in the third. It failed but showed aggression. Miami challenged a catch late in the game and lost. Play calling was creative. Both coaches tried to outmaneuver the other. Arizona was just one step ahead.
Coaching Adjustments During Game
In the first half, Miami ran more. Arizona passed more. By the second half, both teams mixed it up. Arizona’s coaching staff made better in-game adjustments. Their defense shut down Miami’s final drive. That gave Murray time to engineer the final scoring drive.
Turnovers and Mistakes that Changed the Game
Fumbles and Interceptions Breakdown
The game was clean overall. Tagovailoa’s fumble was the only turnover. Arizona played a turnover-free game. That helped them win. A bad snap led to a safety, giving Arizona two key points. Even without interceptions, ball security played a huge role in the outcome.
Costly Penalties and Missed Chances
Neither team had too many penalties. But timing mattered. Miami had a holding call on a key run. Arizona had a delay of game wiped out by a timeout. Missed red zone chances hurt Miami more. Arizona capitalized when it mattered most.
Cardinals vs Dolphins First Half Summary
Early Drives and Scoring Plays
Miami started strong. A long run by Achane set up a short touchdown run by Mostert. Sanders added a field goal. Arizona responded late in the second quarter with a scoring drive capped by Harrison Jr. The first half ended with Miami leading by six points.
Momentum Going Into Halftime
Miami looked confident. They had a lead and controlled tempo. Arizona regrouped in the locker room. Their halftime adjustments worked. The momentum shift began with a safety early in the third. That sparked Arizona’s second-half comeback. The halftime talk made a difference.
Second Half Highlights and Comebacks
Key Moments in Third Quarter
Arizona’s defense came alive in the third. They forced a safety and held Miami to just one field goal. Murray found McBride for a 40-yard gain that flipped field position. The Cardinals slowly took control of the game as the quarter ended.
Fourth Quarter Clutch Plays
Conner’s short touchdown tied the game. Then, after Miami’s stalled drive, Murray led a 13-play drive. Ryland hit the game-winning field goal as time expired. Arizona outscored Miami 14–7 in the second half. It was a textbook comeback. The crowd was stunned into silence.
Player Comparisons and Positional Battles
QB vs QB: Murray vs Tua
Both quarterbacks played well. But Murray had the edge. He threw more yards and two touchdowns. Tua had one TD and one costly fumble. Murray’s legs gave Arizona more options. In big moments, Murray delivered. That made the difference in the final score.
Linebackers, CBs, and Edge Rushers
Arizona’s linebackers made big stops on third down. Miami’s secondary struggled to contain Harrison Jr. Edge rushers from both sides didn’t record sacks. Still, pressure led to short gains and safe throws. Arizona’s defense won more battles when it counted.
Statistical Recap and Game Trends
Total Yards, Possession, and Efficiency
Arizona had 389 total yards. Miami had 377. Time of possession was almost even. Third-down conversion was key. Arizona converted 8 of 13. Miami only managed 6 of 12. Efficiency mattered more than total yardage. Arizona was just a bit better in every area.
Red Zone Stats and Conversion Rates
Arizona went 4 for 5 in the red zone. Miami went 3 for 4. That small difference decided the game. Both teams moved the ball well. But Arizona finished drives with touchdowns. That gave them the points edge at the final whistle.
What This Game Means for Both Teams’ Seasons
Playoff Implications and Division Standings
Arizona moved to 4–4 with the win. They’re back in the NFC West race. Miami fell to 2–5. Their playoff chances now look slim. Every game will count from here. Both teams still have time to recover, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.
Predictions for Next Matches
Arizona returns home with a confidence boost. They’ll face a tough NFC rival next. Miami heads to Buffalo. That’s a hard road test. They’ll need to fix red-zone mistakes fast. The rest of the season could go either way, but urgency is rising.
You May Also Like: Tennessee Titans vs Buffalo Bills Match Player Stats Breakdown
Conclusion
The arizona cardinals vs miami dolphins match player stats tell a close and exciting story. Arizona’s precision, fewer mistakes, and final drive secured their win. Key players like Murray, McBride, Conner, and Baker stepped up. Miami showed fight but came up just short. The season continues, but this one was unforgettable.
FAQs
1. Who led in passing yards?
Kyler Murray with 307 yards.
2. Who was top receiver?
Trey McBride with 124 yards.
3. How many total turnovers?
Only one – a Miami fumble.
4. What was the final game-winning play?
A 34-yard field goal by Chad Ryland.
5. Who had most tackles?
Budda Baker with 12 tackles.
6. How did quarterbacks compare?
Murray had better stats and a cleaner game.
7. How did red-zone performance compare?
Arizona scored 4 times; Miami 3.
8. What’s next for both teams?
Arizona plays at home. Miami visits Buffalo.
9. Any major injuries?
Naquan Jones and Jevon Holland both exited but may return soon.
10. What does this game mean for playoff hopes?
Arizona is still alive; Miami is in a tough spot now.
