Arizona Cardinals Kick Off 2024 Season with Heartbreaking 34-28 Defeat to Buffalo Bills

In a dramatic clash on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals raced to a 17-3 lead, only to succumb to the Buffalo Bills, who mounted a remarkable comeback to win 34-28 at Orchard Park, New York. Key to the Bills’ victory was Josh Allen, who threw three of his four touchdown passes in the second half, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.

Defensive standout Greg Rousseau recorded a career-high three sacks, including a forced fumble that shifted momentum. The game concluded with a tense moment as Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s fourth-and-7 pass attempt was broken up by Damar Hamlin and Ja’Marcus Ingram, sealing the win for Buffalo with just 26 seconds left.

The match was characterized by fluctuating fortunes, exacerbated by challenging weather conditions that featured winds of up to 30 mph. Notably, DeeJay Dallas made history by scoring the first kickoff return touchdown under the NFL’s rule changes, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 31-28 late in the game.

Allen, despite nursing an injury to his non-throwing hand, finished the afternoon by completing 18 of 23 passes for 232 yards. His efforts included touchdown passes to both Mack Hollins and Khalil Shakir, alongside his own 7-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime.

The Cardinals started strong, scoring on their first three drives—a feat not achieved since 2006. Murray’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Michael Wilson highlighted a 13-play, 70-yard drive, and James Conner added a 3-yard touchdown run that extended their lead late in the second quarter.

Prior to the kickoff, several surviving members of the Buffalo Bills’ 1964 AFL championship team were honored, including prominent players like Butch Byrd and Paul Maguire, marking the franchise’s rich history.

Injury updates revealed that Cardinals’ right tackle Jonah Williams was sidelined due to a knee issue, while Bills’ defensive back Taron Johnson suffered a forearm injury early in the game.

Looking ahead, the Cardinals will play three consecutive home games starting with a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday, while the Bills are set to face a quick turnaround, traveling to Miami for a Thursday night clash.