Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats: Numbers From the 37-14 Victory

The recent meeting between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals delivered a clear picture of offensive efficiency and defensive coordination. With the final score of 37-14 favoring the Bengals, the statistical output from the Week 17 matchup provides a wealth of data for analysts looking at individual player performances and team trends. This game was defined by high completion percentages, significant milestones for wide receivers, and a breakout performance in the backfield.

Quarterback Performance and Passing Efficiency

The quarterback battle featured contrasting styles and results. The passing statistics highlight a significant gap in execution and rhythm throughout the four quarters.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Efficiency of Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow’s performance was a clinic in short-to-intermediate accuracy. He finished the game completing 24 of 31 pass attempts, which equates to a 77.4% completion rate. His adjusted completion percentage, which accounts for drops and throwaways, reached an elite 85.7%.

• Total Passing Yards: 305
• Touchdowns: 2
• Interceptions: 0
• Passer Rating: 129.1
• Average Depth of Target (ADOT): 7.9 yards

Burrow’s ability to distribute the ball was evident as he connected with nine different receivers. Notably, he recorded his 28th career game with 300 or more passing yards, a franchise-equaling feat. His distribution was balanced, with 35.5% of his passes traveling past the first-down sticks, and a massive 58.4% of his total yardage coming after the catch (YAC), highlighting his ability to place the ball in positions where his playmakers could thrive.

Arizona Cardinals: Jacoby Brissett’s Heavy Workload

Under significant pressure for much of the afternoon, Jacoby Brissett attempted 37 passes, completing 21 of them. While the raw yardage was respectable, the efficiency metrics lagged behind his counterpart.

• Total Passing Yards: 212
• Touchdowns: 2
• Interceptions: 0
• Passer Rating: 91.3
• Average Time to Throw: 3.14 seconds

Brissett faced a 46.2% pressure rate, leading to four sacks and ten hurries. Despite this, he managed to find success on deep attempts (20+ yards) on 25% of his deep throws, including a 38-yard touchdown strike. However, his overall EPA (Expected Points Added) per play remained negative at -0.03, suggesting the offense struggled to stay ahead of the chains.

Rushing Attack and Ground Game Metrics

The Bengals established a dominant ground presence, while the Cardinals were forced to abandon the run early due to the escalating scoreline.

Chase Brown’s Workhorse Performance

Chase Brown emerged as the focal point of the Bengals' rushing attack. His statistics show a player capable of sustaining drives and finishing in the red zone.

• Carries: 22
• Rushing Yards: 101
• Touchdowns: 2
• Yards After Contact: 2.4 per carry
• Explosive Runs (10+ yards): 2

Brown’s 101-yard day marked his fourth career game reaching the century mark. He was particularly effective in the third quarter, scoring twice on runs of six yards and one yard. The Bengals' offensive line generated 0.9 yards of before-contact space on average, requiring Brown to create much of his yardage through elusivity and power.

Arizona’s Limited Ground Production

The Cardinals' rushing stats were hampered by the game script. Michael Carter and Emari Demercado shared the workload, but neither could find a consistent rhythm against the Bengals' front seven.

• Michael Carter: 7 carries, 29 yards (4.1 avg)
• Emari Demercado: 5 carries, 11 yards (2.2 avg)
• Total Team Rushing Yards: 42
• EPA per Rushing Play: -0.20

The lack of a vertical threat in the running game meant Arizona averaged only 3.2 yards per rush as a team, making them one-dimensional for the majority of the second half.

Receiving Stats and Historic Milestones

This matchup was historic for the receiving corps on both sides, with records falling in both the Bengals' and Cardinals' record books.

Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals’ Records

Ja'Marr Chase continued his trajectory as one of the league's premier threats. While his yardage was not his career high, his efficiency in the red zone was critical.

• Receptions: 7
• Targets: 7 (100% catch rate)
• Receiving Yards: 60
• Touchdowns: 2

With these two scores, Chase moved into a tie for the fourth-most scoring receptions in Bengals history (53). He also became the first player in NFL history to record at least 80 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns in each of his first five seasons. His 117 catches on the year represent the second-highest single-season total in franchise history.

Trey McBride’s Record-Breaking Night

Despite the loss, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride put together a historic statistical performance. He served as the primary outlet for the Arizona passing game.

• Receptions: 10
• Targets: 13
• Receiving Yards: 76
• Touchdowns: 1

McBride’s 10 catches brought his season total to 119, breaking the NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end (previously 116). He also surpassed the Cardinals' franchise record for catches in a single season. His presence in the short and intermediate passing game was the only consistent source of yardage for Arizona, accounting for nearly 36% of the team's total completions.

Secondary Receiving Options

• Michael Wilson (ARI): 5 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD. Wilson provided the explosive plays for Arizona, averaging 17.8 yards per catch.
• Cody Ford (CIN): 1 reception, 21 yards. In a rare statistical anomaly, the 345-pound offensive lineman recorded his first career catch on a trick play, breaking two tackles and setting up a touchdown.
• Tee Higgins (CIN): While not the primary target in this specific game, his presence opened up underneath routes for the secondary options.

Defensive Impact and Advanced Metrics

The Bengals' defense dictated the tempo of the game, particularly in the first half where they forced four three-and-outs.

Cincinnati Pass Rush and Coverage

• Myles Murphy: 1 sack, 6 tackles. Murphy led the unit in pressures and disrupted the pocket consistently.
• Shemar Stewart: 1 sack (the first of his career).
• T.J. Slaton Jr.: 1 sack.
• Dax Hill: 4 tackles, 2 pass breakups. Hill’s coverage on third down limited Arizona to a 23% conversion rate (3-of-13).

The Bengals' defense allowed only 232 total yards, well below Arizona's seasonal average. They were particularly effective in the red zone, allowing only one touchdown on two trips.

Arizona Defensive Stats

• Calijah Kacey: 1 sack, 3 tackles.
• Denzel Burke: 6 tackles, 1 pass breakup.
• Dalton Tomlinson: 1 sack.

Arizona’s defense struggled with the Bengals' pace. They allowed a 67% third-down conversion rate and permitted 5.8 yards per play. The unit recorded 19 total pressures but only three sacks, often failing to bring Burrow down before he could find his check-down options.

Special Teams Contribution

• Evan McPherson (CIN): McPherson was perfect on field goals, including a 57-yarder in the second quarter. This kick tied for the fourth-longest in Bengals history and marked his 29th career field goal from 50+ yards.
• Ke'Shawn Williams (CIN): Recorded a 43-yard punt return, the longest for the team that season, which directly led to a scoring drive.
• Punting: The battle for field position was won by Cincinnati, as Arizona’s punting unit was called upon nine times compared to only three for the Bengals.

Drive-by-Drive Statistical Summary

Analysing the drives reveals the Bengals' dominance in time of possession and efficiency.

The Bengals' ability to stay on the field for over 38 minutes was the primary driver of the lopsided player stats. By running 20 more offensive plays than Arizona, Cincinnati allowed its skill players more opportunities to accumulate yardage and touchdowns.

Historical Context: Bengals vs Cardinals Match Stats

To understand the 2025 stats, it is helpful to look at previous matchups between these two franchises. The statistics often fluctuate based on the health of the quarterbacks and the location of the game.

2023 Matchup (Week 5)

In 2023, the Bengals won 34-20 in Arizona. The player stats from that game were also dominated by the Burrow-Chase connection.

• Joe Burrow (2023): 36/46, 317 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT.
• Ja'Marr Chase (2023): 15 receptions, 192 yards, 3 TD.
• Josh Dobbs (ARI - 2023): 15/32, 166 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT.

Comparing the 2023 and 2025 stats shows a trend: the Cardinals struggle to contain Ja'Marr Chase, who has totaled 5 touchdowns across these two meetings.

2015 Matchup (Week 11)

A much closer affair, the Cardinals won this meeting 34-31. The stats reflected a high-octane shootout between Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton.

• Carson Palmer (ARI): 317 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT.
• Andy Dalton (CIN): 315 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT.
• A.J. Green (CIN): 4 receptions, 79 yards.
• J.J. Nelson (ARI): 4 receptions, 142 yards, 1 TD.

This historical data shows that while the 2025 game was a blowout, previous iterations of Bengals vs Cardinals have been statistically prolific for both sides.

Full Player Statistics Table: Week 17 (2025)

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Defensive Standouts

Conclusion and Statistical Trends

The 37-14 outcome was driven by a few key statistical deviations from the norm. First, the Bengals' third-down efficiency (67%) was nearly triple that of the Cardinals (23%). This allowed the Bengals to control the clock for 38 minutes, exhausting the Arizona defense. Second, the red zone performance was polarized; the Bengals scored touchdowns on all five of their trips inside the 20-yard line, while the Cardinals managed just one on two trips.

From an individual perspective, the game cemented Ja'Marr Chase's place in the history books and validated Chase Brown's role as a primary ball carrier. For the Cardinals, Trey McBride's record-breaking season remains the primary silver lining in a game where the defense was unable to find answers for Cincinnati's offensive variety. As these teams look forward to future meetings, the battle between the Bengals' passing efficiency and the Cardinals' reliance on their star tight end will likely continue to define their statistical profile.