The arizona cardinals vs bengals match player stats from December 28, 2025, tell the story of a convincing 37-14 Cincinnati Bengals victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Cincinnati combined efficient quarterback play, a productive rushing attack, and well-timed scoring drives to control the game. Joe Burrow threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns, Chase Brown rushed for 101 yards and two scores, and Ja’Marr Chase added two receiving touchdowns. Arizona also produced two passing touchdowns through Jacoby Brissett, but its offense struggled to establish a consistent ground game. The final numbers reveal how Cincinnati built its advantage across three quarters and why Arizona could not recover.

Match Overview: Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals

The December 28 meeting brought together two teams looking to finish their NFL seasons with a positive result. Cincinnati entered the contest with a 5-10 record according to its position before this game, while Arizona was 3-12. The final result moved the Bengals to 6-10 and left the Cardinals at 3-13.

Cincinnati won 37-14, delivering a performance that was particularly effective on offense. The Bengals scored in each of the first three quarters, building a substantial advantage before the fourth quarter began. Arizona, meanwhile, managed only seven points in the second quarter and another seven in the fourth.

The difference was not simply the final score. Cincinnati generated production through several offensive players, allowing its passing and rushing attacks to complement each other. Arizona found success through individual receiving performances but could not generate enough balance to keep pace.

Game Information and Final Score

Match Detail	Information
Match	Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals
Date	December 28, 2025
Competition	National Football League
Sport	American Football
Stadium Location	Cincinnati, Ohio
Final Score	Bengals 37-14 Cardinals
Winning Team	Cincinnati Bengals
Losing Team	Arizona Cardinals
Cincinnati Record After Game	6-10
Arizona Record After Game	3-13
Cincinnati Home Record	3-5
Arizona Away Record	2-6
Game Status	Final

The Bengals’ home performance was defined by offensive efficiency. They recorded 309 team passing yards and 120 rushing yards, giving them multiple ways to move the football.

Arizona finished with 212 passing yards and only 42 rushing yards. That difference in offensive production made it difficult for the Cardinals to sustain drives and maintain pressure on Cincinnati’s defense.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown

The scoring pattern provides one of the clearest explanations for Cincinnati’s victory.

Quarter	Arizona Cardinals	Cincinnati Bengals
First Quarter	0	7
Second Quarter	7	16
Third Quarter	0	14
Fourth Quarter	7	0
Final Score	14	37

Cincinnati established an early advantage and extended it significantly before halftime. Its 16-point second quarter was particularly important because it transformed a seven-point lead into a much more comfortable margin.

The Bengals then added another 14 points in the third quarter. By the time the fourth quarter began, they had scored 37 points and held a 30-point advantage.

Arizona scored its final touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the comeback opportunity had already become extremely difficult.

First Quarter: Cincinnati Takes the Lead

The opening quarter ended with Cincinnati ahead 7-0.

Arizona failed to put points on the scoreboard, while the Bengals managed to finish one scoring opportunity with a touchdown. That early advantage allowed Cincinnati to approach the next quarter without immediately needing to chase the game.

A first-quarter lead does not guarantee victory, but it can influence how both offenses approach subsequent possessions. Cincinnati was able to build on its initial success rather than respond to an early deficit.

Second Quarter: The Bengals Create Separation

The second quarter was the most productive period of the first half.

Cincinnati scored 16 points, while Arizona managed seven. The Bengals’ offensive production created a 23-7 halftime advantage.

This period proved important because Arizona was still within reach after the opening quarter. However, Cincinnati’s ability to produce multiple scoring contributions increased the pressure on the Cardinals.

Arizona needed to become more aggressive offensively, while Cincinnati could continue using its balanced attack.

Third Quarter: Cincinnati Extends Its Advantage

Cincinnati added another 14 points in the third quarter without allowing Arizona to score.

The score moved to 37-7, giving the Bengals a 30-point advantage.

This was the decisive scoring period. Arizona’s offense could not respond, and Cincinnati continued converting its opportunities into points.

Fourth Quarter: Arizona Adds a Late Touchdown

Arizona scored seven points in the final quarter, bringing its total to 14.

Cincinnati did not add to its score in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the Bengals’ earlier production had already established a comfortable lead.

The final score remained 37-14.

Arizona Cardinals vs Bengals Match Player Stats: Complete Breakdown

The most important individual performances came from Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Jacoby Brissett, Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride.

The Bengals received substantial production from their quarterback, running back, and leading receiver. Arizona also had productive individual performances, especially through its passing game, but its overall offensive output was considerably lower.

The following sections examine the principal statistical categories and explain what the numbers reveal about the matchup.

Quarterback Player Stats

Quarterback performance was one of the biggest differences between the two teams.

Joe Burrow delivered 305 passing yards and two touchdowns for Cincinnati. Jacoby Brissett recorded 212 passing yards and two touchdowns for Arizona.

Both quarterbacks finished without an interception, but Burrow generated considerably more passing yardage with fewer attempts.

Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI’S PASSING LEADER

Joe Burrow delivered an efficient performance, completing 24 of 31 passing attempts for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

His passing average was 9.8 yards per attempt, and his passer rating reached 129.1.

Passing Statistic	Joe Burrow
Completions	24
Attempts	31
Completion Percentage	77.4%
Passing Yards	305
Passing Average	9.8
Passing Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	0
Sacks	3
Sack Yards Lost	20
QBR	68.5
Passer Rating	129.1

Burrow’s completion percentage of approximately 77.4% highlights his accuracy throughout the game.

He completed more than three-quarters of his attempts while averaging almost 10 yards per attempt. That combination indicates that Cincinnati was not relying exclusively on short passes to move the football.

His 305 passing yards also gave the Bengals a strong foundation for their offensive production.

Another important detail was his ball security. Burrow threw two touchdown passes without recording an interception. Avoiding turnovers helped Cincinnati maintain possession opportunities and protect its advantage.

His performance can be understood through three important factors:

• Accuracy: Completing 24 of 31 attempts kept the offense moving.
• Passing efficiency: His 9.8-yard average demonstrated productive gains through the air.
• Scoring production: Two touchdown passes directly contributed to Cincinnati’s 37-point total.

Burrow’s numbers made him the leading passer of the contest and one of its most influential players.

Jacoby Brissett: Arizona Cardinals

ARIZONA’S PASSING LEADER

Jacoby Brissett completed 21 of 37 attempts for 212 yards and two touchdowns.

He did not throw an interception, finishing with a 91.3 passer rating and a QBR of 28.0.

Passing Statistic	Jacoby Brissett
Completions	21
Attempts	37
Completion Percentage	56.8%
Passing Yards	212
Passing Average	5.7
Passing Touchdowns	2
Interceptions	0
Sacks	4
Sack Yards Lost	21
QBR	28.0
Passer Rating	91.3

Brissett’s two passing touchdowns showed that Arizona could still produce scoring opportunities through the air.

However, his passing efficiency was below Burrow’s.

Brissett attempted six more passes than Burrow but finished with 93 fewer passing yards. His average of 5.7 yards per attempt was also considerably lower than Cincinnati’s 9.8.

The difference suggests that Arizona had difficulty producing the same level of explosive passing efficiency.

His completion percentage of approximately 56.8% also shows that a significant number of attempts did not result in completed passes.

Brissett avoided interceptions, which was a positive element of his performance. Nevertheless, four sacks contributed to the difficulty of Arizona’s passing operation.

Joe Flacco: Cincinnati’s Backup Quarterback

Joe Flacco also appeared in the passing statistics for Cincinnati.

Passing Statistic	Joe Flacco
Completions	3
Attempts	5
Passing Yards	24
Passing Touchdowns	0
Interceptions	0

Flacco completed three of five passes for 24 yards.

His contribution was smaller than Burrow’s, but it is useful to include his numbers when examining Cincinnati’s complete quarterback production.

The combined passing totals listed for the Bengals were 309 team passing yards.

Quarterback Comparison: Burrow vs Brissett

The statistical comparison makes the difference between the two passing performances clear.

Category	Joe Burrow	Jacoby Brissett
Completions	24	21
Attempts	31	37
Completion Percentage	77.4%	56.8%
Passing Yards	305	212
Yards Per Attempt	9.8	5.7
Touchdowns	2	2
Interceptions	0	0
Passer Rating	129.1	91.3
QBR	68.5	28.0

Burrow led in passing yards, completion percentage, average yards per attempt, passer rating, and QBR.

Both quarterbacks recorded two touchdown passes and avoided interceptions.

The key difference was how efficiently they generated passing yardage. Burrow needed fewer attempts to produce substantially more yards.

This distinction matters because passing efficiency affects more than the quarterback’s individual statistics. It can influence field position, drive length, scoring opportunities, and the amount of pressure placed on the opposing defense.

Rushing Player Stats

The rushing comparison was another major factor in the final result.

Cincinnati recorded 120 rushing yards on 35 attempts, while Arizona managed only 42 yards on 13 attempts.

The Bengals also scored three rushing touchdowns. Arizona did not score a rushing touchdown.

Chase Brown: Cincinnati’s Leading Rusher

TOP RUSHING PERFORMER

Chase Brown was Cincinnati’s most productive running back.

He carried the ball 22 times for 101 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.

Rushing Statistic	Chase Brown
Rushing Attempts	22
Rushing Yards	101
Average Per Carry	4.6
Rushing Touchdowns	2
Longest Rush	25 yards
Receptions	3
Receiving Yards	40

Brown was the only player in the supplied rushing statistics to reach 100 rushing yards.

His 22 attempts represented a substantial portion of Cincinnati’s rushing workload.

A 4.6-yard average was particularly useful because it allowed the Bengals to continue gaining meaningful yardage without depending entirely on long runs.

His longest rush of 25 yards also demonstrated his ability to produce a bigger gain when an opportunity appeared.

The two rushing touchdowns were equally important. They gave Cincinnati scoring production beyond Burrow’s passing touchdowns and made the offense more difficult to defend.

Brown also contributed as a receiver, catching three passes for 40 yards.

His combined rushing and receiving yardage reached 141 yards, making him an important contributor in multiple offensive situations.

Michael Carter: Arizona’s Leading Rusher

Michael Carter led Arizona in rushing attempts and rushing yards.

Rushing Statistic	Michael Carter
Rushing Attempts	7
Rushing Yards	29
Average Per Carry	4.1
Rushing Touchdowns	0
Longest Rush	11 yards
Receiving Yards	14

Carter recorded 29 rushing yards on seven carries.

His 4.1-yard average was respectable, but the limited number of attempts prevented him from becoming a major factor in Arizona’s overall offensive production.

He also contributed 14 receiving yards, giving him 43 combined rushing and receiving yards.

The important distinction is that Carter’s individual average was not the main issue. Arizona’s problem was its limited overall rushing volume.

Other Arizona Rushing Contributors

Arizona also received rushing attempts from Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner.

Player	Attempts	Rushing Yards	Average	Touchdowns
Michael Carter	7	29	4.1	0
Emari Demercado	5	11	2.2	0
Corey Kiner	1	2	2.0	0
Team Total	13	42	3.2	0

Demercado recorded 11 yards on five attempts, while Kiner added two yards on one carry.

Neither player scored a rushing touchdown.

The Cardinals’ 42 rushing yards were not enough to create a consistent ground threat.

Other Cincinnati Rushing Contributors

Cincinnati received additional production from several players.

Player	Attempts	Rushing Yards
Chase Brown	22	101
Tahj Brooks	3	10
Samaje Perine	3	5
Joe Flacco	4	2
Joe Burrow	3	2
Team Total	35	120

Chase Brown accounted for the largest share of Cincinnati’s rushing output.

The additional contributions helped the Bengals maintain their ground production across multiple players.

Team Rushing Comparison

Category	Arizona Cardinals	Cincinnati Bengals
Rushing Attempts	13	35
Rushing Yards	42	120
Average Yards Per Carry	3.2	3.4
Rushing Touchdowns	0	3
Leading Rusher	Michael Carter	Chase Brown
Leading Rusher’s Yards	29	101

Cincinnati recorded 78 more rushing yards than Arizona.

The Bengals also attempted 22 more rushing plays and scored three touchdowns on the ground.

These numbers show how Cincinnati used its running game to complement its passing production.

Arizona’s limited rushing output placed greater responsibility on Brissett and the receiving group.

Receiving Player Stats

The receiving statistics reveal another important difference between the offenses.

Arizona had productive performances from Michael Wilson and Trey McBride. Cincinnati received contributions from Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, Andrei Iosivas, and several other players.

The Bengals recorded 329 team receiving yards, while Arizona finished with 212.

Ja’Marr Chase: Cincinnati’s Leading Receiver

TOP CINCINNATI RECEIVER

Ja’Marr Chase led the Bengals in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

He caught seven passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

Receiving Statistic	Ja’Marr Chase
Targets	9
Receptions	7
Receiving Yards	60
Average Per Reception	8.6
Receiving Touchdowns	2
Longest Reception	22 yards

Chase’s seven receptions represented a productive receiving performance.

More importantly, he scored twice.

His two receiving touchdowns gave Cincinnati another dependable scoring option alongside the running game.

He caught seven of nine targets, resulting in a reception rate of approximately 77.8%.

His 60 yards were not the highest individual receiving total in the game, but his touchdown production made his contribution particularly important.

A receiver’s impact cannot always be measured by yardage alone. Scoring plays, target involvement, and the ability to convert opportunities into touchdowns are also important.

Chase demonstrated that value through his two scores.

Michael Wilson: Arizona’s Leading Receiver

TOP ARIZONA RECEIVER

Michael Wilson was Arizona’s leading receiver.

He caught five passes for 89 yards and one touchdown.

Receiving Statistic	Michael Wilson
Targets	10
Receptions	5
Receiving Yards	89
Average Per Reception	17.8
Receiving Touchdowns	1
Longest Reception	38 yards

Wilson’s 89 receiving yards were the highest individual receiving total among the players listed in the supplied statistics.

His average of 17.8 yards per reception was also impressive.

That figure indicates that Arizona found opportunities to generate substantial gains through him.

His longest reception covered 38 yards, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field.

However, Wilson caught only five of his 10 targets.

His 50% catch rate suggests that Arizona could not consistently turn his target opportunities into completed passes.

Despite that limitation, his performance was one of the strongest individual contributions for the Cardinals.

Trey McBride: Arizona’s Reliable Receiving Option

Trey McBride delivered another productive performance for Arizona.

He caught 10 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown.

Receiving Statistic	Trey McBride
Targets	13
Receptions	10
Receiving Yards	76
Average Per Reception	7.6
Receiving Touchdowns	1

McBride led Arizona in receptions and targets.

His 10 catches represented a significant share of Brissett’s completed passes.

He also scored one touchdown, giving Arizona another source of passing production.

His reception rate was approximately 76.9%, making him a consistent target throughout the game.

Wilson provided the bigger average gain, while McBride delivered more receptions.

Together, the two players accounted for 165 receiving yards and both Arizona receiving touchdowns.

Other Arizona Receiving Contributors

Arizona also received smaller contributions from several players.

Player	Receptions	Receiving Yards
Michael Wilson	5	89
Trey McBride	10	76
Xavier Weaver	2	24
Michael Carter	Not specified	14
Emari Demercado	Not specified	9

Wilson and McBride were responsible for the largest portions of the team’s passing production.

Xavier Weaver added two receptions for 24 yards.

Michael Carter and Emari Demercado also contributed through the passing game, recording 14 and nine receiving yards respectively.

These additional contributions helped Arizona reach 212 team receiving yards.

Cincinnati Receiving Contributors

Cincinnati’s receiving production was distributed across several players.

Player	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns
Ja’Marr Chase	7	60	2
Tee Higgins	4	59	0
Mike Gesicki	2	47	0
Andrei Iosivas	4	41	Not specified
Chase Brown	3	40	Not specified
Tanner Hudson	2	31	Not specified

Tee Higgins caught four passes for 59 yards.

His 59-yard total was only one yard below Chase’s receiving production, showing that Cincinnati had more than one productive receiving option.

Mike Gesicki added 47 yards on two receptions, including a 32-yard catch.

Andrei Iosivas recorded four receptions for 41 yards.

Chase Brown contributed another 40 receiving yards, while Tanner Hudson added 31 yards on two catches.

This distribution made Cincinnati’s passing offense less dependent on one receiver.

Team Receiving Comparison

Receiving Category	Arizona Cardinals	Cincinnati Bengals
Receptions	21	27
Receiving Yards	212	329
Receiving Touchdowns	2	2
Leading Receiver	Michael Wilson	Ja’Marr Chase
Leading Receiver’s Yards	89	60
Leading Receiver’s Touchdowns	1	2

Cincinnati recorded 117 more receiving yards than Arizona.

Both teams recorded two receiving touchdowns, but the Bengals produced significantly more yardage.

Arizona’s leading receiver gained more yards than Cincinnati’s leading receiver. However, Cincinnati’s broader receiving contributions helped create the larger team total.

This is an important distinction when interpreting individual player statistics.

The highest receiving-yard total does not automatically indicate which offense had the stronger overall passing performance.

Defensive Player Stats

Although Cincinnati’s offensive production received much of the attention, the defensive numbers also provide useful insight into the result.

Arizona recorded three sacks, five quarterback hurries, and four passes defended. Cincinnati’s offensive line and quarterback nevertheless produced enough passing yardage to maintain offensive momentum.

Arizona’s defense recorded 85 total tackles, including 37 solo tackles.

Cody Simon: Arizona’s Leading Tackler

Cody Simon led Arizona in defensive tackles.

Defensive Statistic	Cody Simon
Total Tackles	15
Solo Tackles	4
Sacks	0.5

Simon recorded 15 total tackles, making him Arizona’s most active defender according to the supplied statistics.

His involvement demonstrates how frequently Arizona’s defense had to respond to Cincinnati’s offensive plays.

However, a high tackle total does not necessarily mean that a defense controlled the game. It can also reflect the amount of time defenders spent responding to opposing offensive possessions.

Calais Campbell and Denzel Burke

Two other Arizona defenders recorded notable individual contributions.

Player	Total Tackles	Sacks
Calais Campbell	3	1
Denzel Burke	6	Not specified

Campbell recorded three tackles and one sack.

His sack was an important individual defensive contribution because pressure on the quarterback can disrupt passing plays and force an offense into difficult situations.

Burke recorded six tackles.

These performances contributed to Arizona’s overall defensive statistics, although the Cardinals could not prevent Cincinnati from scoring 37 points.

Arizona Team Defensive Statistics

Defensive Category	Arizona Cardinals
Total Tackles	85
Solo Tackles	37
Sacks	3
Tackles for Loss	3
Passes Defended	4
Quarterback Hurries	5
Forced Fumbles	0
Recorded Interceptions	0

The Cardinals recorded three sacks and five quarterback hurries.

Those numbers show that the defense created some pressure, but Cincinnati still generated 309 team passing yards and 120 rushing yards.

The absence of an interception also meant that Arizona did not record a takeaway through the passing game.

Defensive Interpretation

There are three useful points to consider when examining Arizona’s defensive performance.

First, the defense produced pressure. Three sacks and five quarterback hurries show that Cincinnati’s quarterback was not completely free from defensive disruption.

Second, Cincinnati maintained offensive production. Despite the pressure, Burrow passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

Third, Arizona struggled to stop the complete offense. Cincinnati’s ability to combine 120 rushing yards with substantial passing production created multiple challenges for the Cardinals.

The defensive statistics therefore need to be considered alongside the offensive results rather than viewed in isolation.

Special Teams Player Stats

Special teams are sometimes overlooked when reviewing a game dominated by offensive touchdowns. However, kickoff returns, punt returns, field goals, and punting performances all contribute to field position.

The supplied statistics identify Steven Sims, Ke’Shawn Williams, Chad Ryland, Evan McPherson, Matt Haack, and Ryan Rehkow as important special teams contributors.

Steven Sims: Arizona’s Kick Return Leader

Steven Sims led Arizona in kick returns.

Kick Return Statistic	Steven Sims
Kick Returns	5
Kick Return Yards	132
Average Per Return	26.4
Longest Return	31 yards
Punt Returns	1
Punt Return Yards	5

Sims recorded 132 kick return yards on five attempts.

His average of 26.4 yards per return provided Arizona with opportunities to begin offensive possessions with useful field position.

His longest return was 31 yards.

He also recorded one punt return for five yards.

Although return yardage does not directly appear in the passing or rushing categories, it can influence the distance an offense must cover to reach the end zone.

Xavier Weaver: Additional Kick Return Production

Xavier Weaver also contributed to Arizona’s kick return game.

Statistic	Xavier Weaver
Kick Returns	1
Kick Return Yards	27

Weaver recorded one kick return for 27 yards.

Combined with Sims’ production, Arizona finished with six kick returns for 159 yards.

Ke’Shawn Williams: Cincinnati’s Return Specialist

Ke’Shawn Williams contributed to both kickoff and punt returns for Cincinnati.

Return Statistic	Ke’Shawn Williams
Kick Returns	1
Kick Return Yards	28
Punt Returns	5
Punt Return Yards	56
Average Punt Return	11.2
Longest Punt Return	43 yards

Williams recorded 56 punt return yards on five attempts.

His average of 11.2 yards per punt return was a useful contribution to Cincinnati’s field-position efforts.

His longest punt return covered 43 yards.

That return was particularly notable because a substantial gain on special teams can reduce the distance required for an offense to reach scoring territory.

Kicking Statistics

Both teams had different statistical contributions from their kickers.

Kicking Statistic	Chad Ryland	Evan McPherson
Team	Arizona	Cincinnati
Field Goals Made	0	1
Field Goal Attempts	0	1
Field Goal Percentage	Not applicable	100%
Longest Field Goal	Not applicable	57 yards
Extra Points Made	2	4
Extra Point Attempts	2	5
Total Points	2	7

Chad Ryland made both of his extra-point attempts for Arizona.

He did not attempt a field goal according to the supplied data.

Evan McPherson made one field goal from one attempt, with a longest successful kick of 57 yards.

He also converted four of five extra-point attempts.

His total of seven points made him Cincinnati’s leading scoring contributor among the kickers.

Punting Statistics

Punting also played a role in the game’s field-position battle.

Punting Statistic	Matt Haack	Ryan Rehkow
Team	Arizona	Cincinnati
Punts	6	2
Total Punt Yards	326	85
Average Punt Distance	54.3	42.5
Punts Inside the 20	3	1
Longest Punt	63 yards	43 yards

Matt Haack punted six times for 326 yards.

His average distance was 54.3 yards, and three of his punts landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

His longest punt covered 63 yards.

Ryan Rehkow punted twice for Cincinnati, recording 85 total yards and a 42.5-yard average.

One of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line.

Haack’s larger punting workload reflects the six recorded attempts, but punting totals should not be treated as a direct measure of team performance. They are also influenced by offensive drive outcomes and game situations.

Overall Team Statistics Comparison

The combined offensive and defensive numbers help explain why Cincinnati won by 23 points.

Statistical Category	Arizona Cardinals	Cincinnati Bengals
Final Score	14	37
Team Passing Yards	212	309
Team Rushing Yards	42	120
Team Rushing Attempts	13	35
Team Receptions	21	27
Team Receiving Yards	212	329
Passing Touchdowns	2	2
Rushing Touchdowns	0	3
Recorded Interceptions	0	0
Recorded Fumbles	0	0
Sacks Recorded by Arizona Defense	3	Not specified
Total Defensive Tackles by Arizona	85	Not specified

One important distinction is necessary when interpreting passing and receiving yardage.

The supplied team passing totals and receiving totals are different for Cincinnati. Burrow and Flacco combined for 329 gross passing yards, while the listed team passing total is 309 after accounting for sack yardage. The receiving total is 329 yards.

For Arizona, the supplied team passing and receiving totals are both 212 yards, while Brissett’s individual passing line includes 21 yards lost on sacks.

These figures should not be mixed without understanding how the statistical categories are recorded.

The Most Important Statistical Differences

Several numbers stand out when comparing the two teams.

1. Passing production

Cincinnati recorded 97 more team passing yards than Arizona based on the listed team totals.

Burrow also completed 24 of 31 passes, giving him a considerably higher completion percentage than Brissett.

2. Rushing production

Cincinnati finished with 120 rushing yards compared with Arizona’s 42.

This 78-yard difference gave the Bengals another way to control the game.

3. Rushing touchdowns

Cincinnati scored three rushing touchdowns, while Arizona did not record one.

This was a significant difference because the Bengals could generate points without relying exclusively on passing touchdowns.

4. Receiving contributions

Cincinnati recorded 27 receptions and 329 receiving yards.

Arizona recorded 21 receptions and 212 receiving yards.

The Bengals therefore generated more completed receptions and significantly more receiving yardage.

5. Quarterback efficiency

Burrow’s 129.1 passer rating was higher than Brissett’s 91.3.

The difference reflected Cincinnati’s more productive passing performance.

Five Key Performances That Defined the Game

The final score was the result of contributions from several players rather than one individual performance.

These five players stand out when examining the statistical record.

1. Joe Burrow: The Passing Leader

Burrow completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

His 9.8 yards per attempt and 129.1 passer rating reflected an efficient passing performance.

He gave Cincinnati the ability to move the football consistently through the air.

2. Chase Brown: The Ground Game Leader

Brown rushed for 101 yards on 22 carries.

He scored two touchdowns and added 40 receiving yards.

His combined 141 yards from scrimmage made him one of the game’s most productive offensive players.

3. Ja’Marr Chase: The Touchdown Receiver

Chase caught seven passes for 60 yards.

His two receiving touchdowns were particularly valuable because they gave Cincinnati additional scoring options.

His performance was defined by his ability to convert receiving opportunities into points.

4. Michael Wilson: Arizona’s Receiving Standout

Wilson recorded five receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown.

His 38-yard longest reception demonstrated his ability to produce significant gains.

He was Arizona’s leading receiver in total yardage.

5. Cody Simon: Arizona’s Defensive Leader

Simon recorded 15 total tackles and four solo tackles.

He led Arizona in total tackles and was heavily involved in the defensive workload.

His individual performance was notable even though the Cardinals conceded 37 points.

Why Did the Cincinnati Bengals Beat the Arizona Cardinals?

The statistical evidence points to several reasons for Cincinnati’s victory.

Rather than attributing the result to one play or one player, it is more useful to examine the broader differences between the two teams.

Cincinnati Had a More Productive Passing Game

The first major difference was quarterback efficiency.

Burrow completed 77.4% of his passes and averaged 9.8 yards per attempt.

Brissett completed approximately 56.8% of his attempts and averaged 5.7 yards per attempt.

Both quarterbacks threw two touchdowns and avoided interceptions.

However, Burrow generated more passing yards with fewer attempts.

That gave Cincinnati greater offensive production through the air.

Chase Brown Added Balance to the Offense

Cincinnati did not rely entirely on Burrow’s arm.

Brown rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Bengals an effective ground option.

The combination of Burrow’s passing and Brown’s rushing forced Arizona to account for two different forms of offensive production.

Cincinnati finished with 35 rushing attempts, compared with Arizona’s 13.

That difference was substantial.

Arizona Could Not Establish Its Running Game

The Cardinals recorded only 42 rushing yards.

Their leading rusher, Michael Carter, finished with 29 yards.

The lack of rushing production meant that Arizona had fewer opportunities to distribute offensive responsibility between its quarterback and running backs.

Brissett was therefore required to handle a larger portion of the offensive workload.

Cincinnati Distributed Its Receiving Production

Ja’Marr Chase was productive, but he was not the only Bengal contributing through the air.

Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, Andrei Iosivas, Chase Brown, and Tanner Hudson all recorded receiving yardage.

This distribution gave Cincinnati several different options.

Arizona also had productive receivers, especially Wilson and McBride, but its overall receiving total was lower.

Cincinnati Scored Consistently Before the Fourth Quarter

The scoring breakdown is perhaps the simplest explanation for the result.

The Bengals scored seven points in the first quarter, 16 in the second, and 14 in the third.

Arizona failed to score in the first and third quarters.

By the start of the fourth quarter, Cincinnati had built a 37-7 advantage.

Arizona’s final touchdown reduced the margin but did not change the outcome.

What the Player Statistics Reveal Beyond the Final Score

A useful match analysis should explain more than which team won.

The numbers from this game also provide several lessons about offensive balance, quarterback efficiency, receiving involvement, and defensive workload.

Passing Volume Is Not the Same as Passing Efficiency

Brissett attempted 37 passes, six more than Burrow.

However, Burrow produced 93 additional passing yards.

This demonstrates why attempts alone do not explain quarterback performance.

A quarterback can complete a high number of passes but still generate less overall yardage if the average gain per attempt is limited.

In this matchup, Burrow’s higher average yards per attempt was an important statistical advantage.

Receiving Yardage and Touchdown Production Tell Different Stories

Michael Wilson recorded 89 receiving yards, compared with Ja’Marr Chase’s 60.

However, Chase scored two receiving touchdowns, while Wilson scored one.

Both players made important contributions, but their statistical profiles were different.

Wilson generated more total yardage, while Chase produced more receiving touchdowns.

This is why player comparisons should include receptions, yards, touchdowns, and targets rather than focusing on one statistic.

Rushing Attempts Can Reveal Offensive Priorities

Cincinnati attempted 35 rushing plays, while Arizona recorded 13.

That difference shows how much more frequently the Bengals used their ground game.

Brown’s 101 yards also gave Cincinnati a productive primary rushing option.

Arizona’s smaller rushing total meant that its offense had less production from the running back position.

Defensive Tackles Need Context

Cody Simon’s 15 tackles were a notable individual statistic.

However, defensive tackles should always be considered alongside the team’s overall defensive performance.

A defender may record many tackles because the opposing offense has repeatedly reached the second level of the defense.

The number alone does not establish whether the defense controlled the game.

Special Teams Can Influence Starting Field Position

Steven Sims recorded 159 combined kick return and punt return yards.

Ke’Shawn Williams contributed 84 combined kick return and punt return yards.

These numbers show that both teams received return production.

However, return yardage should be evaluated alongside offensive possession results before drawing conclusions about its effect on scoring.

Historical Context and Statistical Record

The December 28, 2025, contest ended with Cincinnati recording a 37-14 home victory.

The final records listed after the game were:

• Cincinnati Bengals: 6-10 overall.
• Cincinnati Bengals: 3-5 at home.
• Arizona Cardinals: 3-13 overall.
• Arizona Cardinals: 2-6 away.

These records place the result within the teams’ respective 2025 regular-season campaigns.

For readers researching individual performances, it is important to distinguish between a single-game statistical record and season-long performance.

A player can produce an excellent individual game without that performance necessarily representing his average production across an entire season.

Likewise, a team’s final record reflects multiple games and cannot be explained by one result alone.

The statistics discussed in this article are specific to this December matchup.

Where to Check the Official Box Score

Readers who want to review the original statistical record can consult the official ESPN box score for the Bengals vs Cardinals game.

The box score is useful for checking individual passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, kicking, and return statistics.

It also provides a reference point for comparing the final score with individual player contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the final score of the Arizona Cardinals vs Bengals game on December 28, 2025?

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Arizona Cardinals 37-14. Cincinnati scored 37 points across the first three quarters, while Arizona scored seven points in the second and fourth quarters.

2. How many passing yards did Joe Burrow record against the Cardinals?

Joe Burrow completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and finished with a 129.1 passer rating.

3. How many rushing yards did Chase Brown have against Arizona?

Chase Brown recorded 101 rushing yards on 22 carries. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry, scored two rushing touchdowns, and recorded a longest run of 25 yards.

4. Who was Arizona’s leading receiver against Cincinnati?

Michael Wilson led Arizona with 89 receiving yards on five receptions. He also recorded one touchdown, received 10 targets, and produced a longest reception of 38 yards.

5. How many touchdowns did Ja’Marr Chase score?

Ja’Marr Chase scored two receiving touchdowns. He finished with seven receptions for 60 yards on nine targets.

6. How many total rushing yards did the Bengals record?

Cincinnati recorded 120 rushing yards on 35 attempts. The Bengals scored three rushing touchdowns, with Chase Brown contributing 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Conclusion

The December 28, 2025, matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals finished with a convincing 37-14 victory for Cincinnati.

The statistical comparison shows that the Bengals were more productive in both passing and rushing. Joe Burrow completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase Brown contributed 101 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Ja’Marr Chase added seven receptions, 60 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.

Arizona also had several positive individual performances. Jacoby Brissett threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Michael Wilson recorded 89 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Trey McBride added 10 receptions for 76 yards and another score. Cody Simon led the Cardinals defensively with 15 tackles.

However, Arizona’s 42 rushing yards and lack of rushing touchdowns highlighted the difference between the two offenses. Cincinnati’s 120 rushing yards, greater passing efficiency, and 37-point scoring performance ultimately separated the teams.

For readers examining the arizona cardinals vs bengals match player stats, the most important takeaway is the Bengals’ offensive balance. Their quarterback, running back, and receiving group all made meaningful contributions, while Arizona relied more heavily on its passing game.

The final statistics provide a clear record of how Cincinnati secured the 37-14 result and which individual performances shaped the contest.