Introduction
In a recent match between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos, the Broncos dominated the game with a solid 27-7 victory. The game saw a stark contrast in performance between the two teams, from total yards to first downs and efficiency on both offense and defense. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match player stats, highlighting key numbers, individual performances, and team strategies that shaped the outcome of this game.
Team Overview
Arizona Cardinals (1-1, 0-1 Away): The Cardinals came into this game with a 1-1 record, having won their opening game and losing their second. However, their performance in this match left much to be desired as they struggled in nearly all aspects of the game.
Denver Broncos (2-0, 1-0 Home): The Broncos entered the match undefeated and extended their winning streak with a comprehensive win. Their performance was highlighted by a balanced offense, effective passing, and solid rushing yards.
Final Score Summary
- Arizona Cardinals: 7
- Denver Broncos: 27
Scoring Breakdown
- First Quarter:
- Arizona Cardinals: 7
- Denver Broncos: 14
- Second Quarter:
- Arizona Cardinals: 0
- Denver Broncos: 10
- Third Quarter:
- Arizona Cardinals: 0
- Denver Broncos: 3
- Fourth Quarter:
- Arizona Cardinals: 0
- Denver Broncos: 0
While the Cardinals were able to score a touchdown in the first quarter, they were held scoreless for the rest of the game. On the other hand, the Broncos continued to build on their lead with a strong second quarter and a solid finish, despite not scoring in the fourth quarter.
Team Stats Analysis
Total Plays
- Arizona Cardinals: 47
- Denver Broncos: 72
The Broncos ran 72 total plays, compared to just 47 for the Cardinals. This significant difference in plays reflects the Broncos’ offensive dominance throughout the game, keeping Arizona’s defense on the field for extended periods.
Total Yards
- Arizona Cardinals: 135
- Denver Broncos: 562
In terms of total yardage, the Broncos outgained the Cardinals by a wide margin, amassing 562 total yards compared to just 135 for Arizona. This substantial difference is reflective of the Broncos’ balanced offensive game plan, which was both efficient in the passing and rushing departments.
Yards Per Play
- Arizona Cardinals: 2.9
- Denver Broncos: 7.8
The Broncos’ average of 7.8 yards per play is a clear indication of their explosive offense. They were able to move the ball down the field with ease, averaging almost 8 yards each time they ran a play. The Cardinals, on the other hand, were held to just 2.9 yards per play, a sign of their inefficiency and struggles to sustain drives.
Passing Game Breakdown
Passing Yards
- Arizona Cardinals: 99
- Denver Broncos: 395
The Broncos’ passing attack was headlined by quarterback play, who threw for 395 yards. This compares significantly to the Cardinals’ total of just 99 passing yards, which speaks to the Broncos’ ability to consistently move the ball through the air.
Completions and Attempts
- Arizona Cardinals: 19 completions on 28 attempts
- Denver Broncos: 30 completions on 39 attempts
While the Cardinals completed 19 passes out of 28 attempts, their passing game never seemed to find a rhythm. The Broncos were more effective, completing 30 of 39 passes, which highlights their efficiency in the passing game and ability to execute under pressure.
Yards per Pass
- Arizona Cardinals: 3.3 yards per pass
- Denver Broncos: 9.9 yards per pass
A key statistic that illustrates the contrast in passing effectiveness is yards per pass. The Broncos averaged a staggering 9.9 yards per pass, meaning they were consistently moving the ball downfield in larger chunks. In comparison, the Cardinals only averaged 3.3 yards per pass, making it difficult for them to gain significant yardage through the air.
Sacks and Interceptions
- Arizona Cardinals: 2 sacks for -14 yards, 0 interceptions
- Denver Broncos: 1 sack for -7 yards, 0 interceptions
Neither team threw an interception, which shows that the quarterbacks were able to avoid costly mistakes. The Broncos’ defense recorded one sack on the Cardinals’ quarterback, but it was not enough to significantly disrupt Arizona’s passing game. The Cardinals, however, were sacked twice, which contributed to their struggles in the passing game.
Rushing Game Breakdown
Rushing Yards
- Arizona Cardinals: 36
- Denver Broncos: 167
The Broncos excelled in their rushing attack, racking up 167 rushing yards, compared to just 36 yards for the Cardinals. This disparity demonstrates the Broncos’ ability to control the ground game and maintain possession.
Rushing Attempts
- Arizona Cardinals: 17
- Denver Broncos: 32
The Broncos rushed the ball 32 times, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Arizona, on the other hand, only attempted 17 rushes, averaging just 2.1 yards per rush. The Broncos’ ability to establish a strong running game was a key factor in their offensive success.
Red Zone Efficiency
Red Zone (Made-Att)
- Arizona Cardinals: 1-1
- Denver Broncos: 2-6
Despite having fewer opportunities in the red zone, the Cardinals were efficient, converting 1 out of 1 red zone attempts. The Broncos, however, had more chances but were less efficient, converting only 2 out of 6 red zone attempts. While the Broncos had opportunities, their defense held strong when it mattered most, preventing any significant scoring from the Cardinals.
Penalties and Turnovers
Penalties
- Arizona Cardinals: 7 penalties for 81 yards
- Denver Broncos: 11 penalties for 75 yards
Both teams struggled with penalties, but the Cardinals were penalized more frequently, accumulating 81 yards in penalties compared to 75 yards for the Broncos. Penalties can often be a momentum killer, but neither team allowed them to dictate the outcome of the game.
Turnovers
- Arizona Cardinals: 0 turnovers
- Denver Broncos: 1 turnover
Both teams avoided major turnover issues, with the Cardinals not turning the ball over at all. The Broncos, however, had one turnover, a lost fumble, but it did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. The Cardinals’ ability to protect the ball was a small positive in an otherwise difficult game.
Time of Possession
- Arizona Cardinals: 24:56
- Denver Broncos: 35:04
One of the most significant factors in this game was time of possession. The Broncos controlled the clock for over 35 minutes, almost 10 minutes more than the Cardinals. This extended possession allowed the Broncos to wear down the Cardinals’ defense and keep their offense in rhythm.
Key Player Performances
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals’ quarterback struggled to find any significant success, with their passing game limited to short throws. The lack of a consistent rushing attack also hampered their ability to sustain drives.
On defense, the Cardinals were unable to slow down the Broncos’ offense, especially in the passing game. The Broncos’ ability to pass and run the ball effectively left the Cardinals scrambling for answers.
Denver Broncos:
The Broncos’ quarterback delivered a strong performance, throwing for nearly 400 yards and spreading the ball around effectively. His ability to find open receivers downfield was crucial in the Broncos’ dominant offensive showing.
The Broncos’ running back corps also had a strong game, with the team averaging over 5 yards per carry. Their ability to keep the defense honest with both the run and pass was a key element of their success.
Defensively, the Broncos were solid, limiting the Cardinals’ offensive opportunities and applying enough pressure to disrupt their passing game.
Conclusion
In summary, the Arizona Cardinals were outmatched by the Denver Broncos in nearly every statistical category. From total yards to time of possession, the Broncos dominated the game from start to finish. While the Cardinals had brief moments of success, they were unable to sustain drives and struggled to make any meaningful impact in both the passing and rushing games. On the other hand, the Broncos’ balanced offensive attack, coupled with their ability to control the clock, led them to a comfortable 27-7 victory.
FAQS
1. What was the final score of the Arizona Cardinals vs Denver Broncos match?
The final score was Arizona Cardinals 7, Denver Broncos 27.
2. Which team dominated the total yardage in the game?
The Denver Broncos dominated with 562 total yards compared to the Arizona Cardinals’ 135 yards.
3. How many first downs did the Arizona Cardinals achieve in the game?
The Arizona Cardinals achieved 8 first downs during the game.
4. What was the key difference in the passing game between the two teams?
The Denver Broncos passed for 395 yards, while the Arizona Cardinals only passed for 99 yards.
5. How did both teams perform in terms of rushing yards?
The Denver Broncos rushed for 167 yards, while the Arizona Cardinals only rushed for 36 yards.
