Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats
The arizona cardinals vs new orleans saints match player stats from September 7, 2025, tell the story of a closely contested NFL season opener in which the Arizona Cardinals defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-13. Arizona began its season with a road victory, while New Orleans started 0-1 despite producing more passing yards and recording five sacks.
The game offered an interesting contrast between offensive efficiency and defensive pressure. Kyler Murray guided Arizona’s passing attack with two touchdown passes and no interceptions, while Trey Benson delivered an important contribution on the ground with 69 rushing yards from just eight carries. Marvin Harrison Jr. also played a central role, leading the Cardinals in receiving yards and scoring a touchdown.
For New Orleans, Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards but could not produce a passing touchdown. Alvin Kamara provided the Saints’ only touchdown, while Juwan Johnson led the receiving unit with 76 yards.
Although the Saints generated more passing yards and recorded more sacks, Arizona found more ways to turn its offensive opportunities into points. The difference was not simply the number of yards gained. It was how effectively each team converted its opportunities into scoring plays.
Match Overview: Cardinals vs Saints
The September 7 meeting was an early-season test for two teams looking to establish momentum. Arizona entered the matchup as the visiting team, while New Orleans had the advantage of playing at home.
ThArizona Cardinals
20
Winner
VS
September 7, 2025
NFL
New Orleans Saints – Game Day Legends
New Orleans Saints
13
Home team
Arizona record after game
1-0
New Orleans record after game
0-1
Arizona quarterback
Kyler Murray
New Orleans quarterback
Spencer Rattler
| Match Detail | Information |
| Game | Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints |
| Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Final score | Cardinals 20, Saints 13 |
| Competition | NFL regular season |
| Winning team | Arizona Cardinals |
| Losing team | New Orleans Saints |
| ESPN Game ID | 401772718 |
The final score shows a seven-point difference, but the individual statistics reveal a more complicated contest. New Orleans recorded 214 passing yards compared with Arizona’s 163. However, Arizona produced 146 rushing yards, scored two passing touchdowns, and finished with seven more total points.
Cardinals vs Saints: 2025 Player Stats and Analysis
The arizona cardinals vs new orleans saints match player stats from September 7, 2025, provide a detailed look at how Arizona secured a 20-13 victory over New Orleans in their NFL regular-season meeting. The Cardinals relied on efficient quarterback play, productive rushing contributions, and timely receiving touchdowns to earn their first win of the season. The Saints produced more passing yards and generated significant defensive pressure, but their offense struggled to turn those advantages into touchdowns.
Kyler Murray completed 21 of 29 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Marvin Harrison Jr. led Arizona’s receivers with 71 yards and a touchdown, while Trey Benson recorded 69 rushing yards on only eight attempts. For New Orleans, Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards, and Alvin Kamara scored the team’s only touchdown.
The defensive statistics also reveal an interesting contrast. New Orleans recorded five sacks and seven tackles for loss, showing its ability to pressure Arizona’s quarterback. However, the Cardinals limited the Saints to 13 points and prevented them from recording a passing touchdown.
This analysis examines the complete player statistics, offensive performances, defensive contributions, special teams numbers, and important statistical differences that explain the final result.
Game Overview and Final Score
Arizona entered the contest as the visiting team, while New Orleans played at home. Both teams wanted to begin the regular season with a victory, but the Cardinals finished the afternoon with a 20-13 result.
| Match Information | Details |
| Matchup | Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints |
| Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Competition | NFL regular season |
| Final score | Arizona 20-13 New Orleans |
| Winning team | Arizona Cardinals |
| Losing team | New Orleans Saints |
| Arizona’s game record | 1-0 |
| New Orleans’ game record | 0-1 |
| Arizona quarterback | Kyler Murray |
| New Orleans quarterback | Spencer Rattler |
| Arizona’s leading rusher | Trey Benson |
| New Orleans’ leading rusher | Alvin Kamara |
| Arizona’s leading receiver | Marvin Harrison Jr. |
| New Orleans’ leading receiver | Juwan Johnson |
| ESPN Game ID | 401772718 |
The result gave Arizona a positive start to its season. New Orleans, meanwhile, had to examine why its passing production and defensive pressure did not translate into a higher score.
The seven-point margin is important because it shows that the Saints remained within one score of Arizona. Nevertheless, the Cardinals produced two passing touchdowns, while New Orleans relied on a rushing touchdown and field goals.
The statistical comparison also demonstrates why total passing yards alone cannot determine which team performed better offensively. Arizona generated fewer passing yards but made better use of its passing opportunities.
Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats
The complete player statistics show how individual performances contributed to the final score. Arizona received important production from Murray, Benson, Harrison, and Trey McBride. New Orleans relied heavily on Rattler, Kamara, Johnson, and Chris Olave.
Quarterback Comparison
Quarterback performance was one of the most important differences between the teams.
| Passing Statistics | Kyler Murray | Spencer Rattler |
| Team | Arizona Cardinals | New Orleans Saints |
| Completions | 21 | 27 |
| Attempts | 29 | 46 |
| Completion percentage | 72.4% | 58.7% |
| Passing yards | 163 | 214 |
| Yards per attempt | 5.6 | 4.7 |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks taken | 5 | 1 |
| Yards lost on sacks | 33 | 6 |
| Passer rating | 108.8 | 70.4 |
Kyler Murray’s performance
Murray completed 21 of his 29 attempts, giving him a completion rate of approximately 72.4%. He finished with 163 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
His 108.8 passer rating reflects an efficient performance. Although his total yardage was lower than Rattler’s, Murray produced more direct scoring value through the passing game.
One important detail is his ability to avoid turnovers. Neither quarterback threw an interception, but Murray’s two touchdown passes gave Arizona a scoring advantage that New Orleans could not match through the air.
Murray also faced considerable defensive pressure. The Saints recorded five sacks for 33 lost yards against Arizona’s offense. Despite that pressure, he maintained a high completion percentage and finished with two touchdown passes.
His contribution was not limited to passing. Murray added 38 rushing yards on seven carries, giving Arizona another option when the pocket became difficult to use.
Spencer Rattler’s performance
Rattler completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards. His completion percentage was approximately 58.7%, and he averaged 4.7 yards per attempt.
He recorded no passing touchdowns and no interceptions. His 70.4 passer rating was considerably lower than Murray’s.
The difference between total passing yards and passing efficiency is particularly important here. Rattler threw for 51 more yards than Murray, but he needed 17 additional attempts to reach that total.
New Orleans also recorded 27 completions, six more than Arizona. However, those completions did not produce a passing touchdown.
Rattler took one sack for six yards, meaning Arizona’s defense did not generate the same level of quarterback pressure as New Orleans.
His 29 rushing yards on four carries also added a useful dimension to his overall performance. Even so, the Saints needed more scoring production from their passing offense.
Quarterback Efficiency: What the Numbers Reveal
Three statistics help explain the difference between the quarterbacks:
- Completion percentage: Murray completed approximately 72.4% of his attempts, compared with Rattler’s 58.7%.
- Passing touchdowns: Murray recorded two, while Rattler finished without one.
- Yards per attempt: Murray averaged 5.6 yards, compared with Rattler’s 4.7.
These figures suggest that Arizona made better use of its passing attempts. New Orleans accumulated more passing yards largely through a higher volume of attempts, but the additional yardage did not result in a passing touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals Rushing Statistics
Arizona’s rushing attack was an important part of its offensive production. The Cardinals finished with 146 rushing yards on 27 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
That average was higher than New Orleans’ 4.9 yards per attempt.
Trey Benson’s Rushing Performance
Trey Benson led Arizona with 69 rushing yards on eight carries.
| Trey Benson Statistics | Total |
| Carries | 8 |
| Rushing yards | 69 |
| Average per carry | 8.6 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest run | 52 yards |
Benson’s 52-yard longest run was one of the most notable individual rushing figures in the game.
His 69 yards represented a significant contribution despite receiving only eight carries. His average of 8.6 yards per attempt was also considerably higher than the averages of Arizona’s other leading ball carriers.
The longest run accounted for a large share of his total production. This is important when evaluating rushing efficiency because one explosive attempt can raise a player’s average considerably.
Benson also contributed as a receiver, recording one reception for six yards. His involvement in both areas gave Arizona another offensive option.
James Conner’s Rushing Performance
James Conner recorded 12 carries for 39 yards.
| James Conner Statistics | Total |
| Carries | 12 |
| Rushing yards | 39 |
| Average per carry | 3.3 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
| Receiving receptions | 4 |
| Receiving yards | 5 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 1 |
Conner handled the largest rushing workload among Arizona’s listed running backs.
His 3.3-yard average was lower than Benson’s, but his contribution extended beyond rushing. He caught four passes for five yards and recorded a receiving touchdown.
That receiving touchdown is especially relevant because it demonstrates how Arizona used its running backs in the passing game.
Conner’s total receiving yardage was modest, but his ability to contribute in a scoring situation added value to the offense.
Kyler Murray’s Rushing Contribution
Murray recorded seven carries for 38 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt.
| Kyler Murray Rushing Stats | Total |
| Carries | 7 |
| Rushing yards | 38 |
| Average per carry | 5.4 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
His rushing production helped Arizona maintain flexibility when the passing pocket became less comfortable.
The combination of Murray’s mobility and Benson’s explosive running gave the Cardinals two different rushing threats. Conner provided an additional option through his regular rushing workload and receiving involvement.
Arizona’s Complete Rushing Numbers
| Arizona Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TD |
| Trey Benson | 8 | 69 | 8.6 | 0 |
| James Conner | 12 | 39 | 3.3 | 0 |
| Kyler Murray | 7 | 38 | 5.4 | 0 |
| Team Total | 27 | 146 | 5.4 | 0 |
Arizona’s rushing production was valuable even without a rushing touchdown. The ground game helped the Cardinals generate yardage and reduced the need to rely entirely on Murray’s passing ability.
New Orleans Saints Rushing Statistics
New Orleans finished with 107 rushing yards on 22 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.
Although the Saints recorded fewer rushing yards than Arizona, their running game still provided a useful contribution.
Alvin Kamara’s Performance
Alvin Kamara led New Orleans with 45 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown.
| Alvin Kamara Statistics | Total |
| Carries | 11 |
| Rushing yards | 45 |
| Average per carry | 4.1 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 |
| Receptions | 2 |
| Receiving yards | 12 |
Kamara handled half of the team’s listed rushing attempts. His 45 yards represented the highest rushing total among the Saints’ players.
His touchdown was also New Orleans’ only recorded offensive touchdown in the supplied statistics.
Kamara contributed as a receiver as well, catching two passes for 12 yards. This dual role remains an important part of his statistical profile because it shows that his involvement was not restricted to running plays.
Spencer Rattler’s Rushing Contribution
Rattler added 29 rushing yards on four attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
| Spencer Rattler Rushing Stats | Total |
| Carries | 4 |
| Rushing yards | 29 |
| Average | 7.3 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
His rushing average was higher than Kamara’s and demonstrated his ability to gain yards outside conventional passing plays.
For a quarterback, this contribution can be useful when defensive pressure limits available passing options. However, the Saints still needed more production through the air to match Arizona’s scoring output.
Kendre Miller and Devin Neal
Kendre Miller recorded five carries for 24 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
Devin Neal added two carries for nine yards, averaging 4.5 yards.
Both players contributed to a rushing attack that averaged nearly five yards per attempt.
| New Orleans Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | TD |
| Alvin Kamara | 11 | 45 | 4.1 | 1 |
| Spencer Rattler | 4 | 29 | 7.3 | 0 |
| Kendre Miller | 5 | 24 | 4.8 | 0 |
| Devin Neal | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 |
| Team Total | 22 | 107 | 4.9 | 1 |
Rushing Comparison Between Both Teams
| Category | Arizona | New Orleans |
| Rushing attempts | 27 | 22 |
| Rushing yards | 146 | 107 |
| Average yards per carry | 5.4 | 4.9 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Longest listed individual run | 52 yards | Not provided |
Arizona finished with 39 more rushing yards and five additional attempts.
New Orleans scored a rushing touchdown, while Arizona did not record one. This shows that total rushing yardage and scoring production do not always move together.
Arizona’s greater rushing yardage helped balance its passing offense, while Kamara’s touchdown supplied an important scoring contribution for the Saints.
Arizona Cardinals Receiving Statistics
Arizona recorded 21 receptions for 163 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Marvin Harrison Jr. led the team in receiving yards, while Trey McBride led in receptions.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Leads Arizona’s Receivers
Harrison finished with five receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown.
| Marvin Harrison Jr. Statistics | Total |
| Receptions | 5 |
| Targets | 6 |
| Receiving yards | 71 |
| Average yards per reception | 14.2 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 1 |
| Longest reception | 45 yards |
Harrison’s 45-yard longest reception was an important part of his overall production.
He averaged 14.2 yards per catch, showing that his contributions included meaningful gains rather than only short completions.
His five catches from six targets also represented a strong conversion rate. He was Arizona’s leading receiver in both yardage and receiving touchdowns.
The touchdown gave the Cardinals another important scoring option alongside the production from their running backs.
Trey McBride’s Receiving Contribution
Trey McBride recorded six receptions for 61 yards from nine targets.
| Trey McBride Statistics | Total |
| Receptions | 6 |
| Targets | 9 |
| Receiving yards | 61 |
| Average yards per reception | 10.2 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest reception | 25 yards |
McBride led Arizona in receptions.
His six catches provided Murray with another reliable receiving option. He also recorded a 25-yard longest reception, showing that his contribution included a substantial individual gain.
Harrison and McBride combined for 132 receiving yards. That represented a large portion of Arizona’s 163 total passing yards.
Other Arizona Receiving Performances
The Cardinals received additional production from several players.
| Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 5 | 71 | 1 |
| Trey McBride | 6 | 61 | 0 |
| Tip Reiman | 1 | 10 | 0 |
| Trey Benson | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| James Conner | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Michael Wilson | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Zay Jones | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Elijah Higgins | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Greg Dortch | 1 | -2 | 0 |
| Team Total | 21 | 163 | 2 |
James Conner’s receiving touchdown is a particularly important detail in this table. Although he finished with only five receiving yards, one of his receptions resulted in a touchdown.
Greg Dortch recorded one reception for minus two yards. This illustrates why reception totals alone do not tell the complete story of a player’s contribution.
Arizona’s receiving unit had two primary yardage producers in Harrison and McBride, supported by smaller contributions from several other players.
New Orleans Saints Receiving Statistics
New Orleans completed 27 passes for 214 yards. The team averaged 7.9 yards per reception and did not record a receiving touchdown.
Juwan Johnson led the Saints in receiving yards, while Chris Olave also provided a substantial contribution.
Juwan Johnson Leads the Receiving Group
Johnson finished with eight receptions for 76 yards on 11 targets.
| Juwan Johnson Statistics | Total |
| Receptions | 8 |
| Targets | 11 |
| Receiving yards | 76 |
| Average yards per reception | 9.5 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest reception | 21 yards |
Johnson was New Orleans’ leading receiver by yardage and receptions.
His eight catches represented a significant portion of the team’s 27 completions. He gave Rattler a consistent receiving option, particularly in a game where the passing offense needed to generate more scoring opportunities.
However, despite his team-leading production, Johnson did not record a touchdown.
Chris Olave’s Receiving Performance
Olave finished with seven receptions for 54 yards on 13 targets.
| Chris Olave Statistics | Total |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Targets | 13 |
| Receiving yards | 54 |
| Average yards per reception | 7.7 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest reception | 13 yards |
Olave was targeted 13 times, the highest target total among the listed New Orleans receivers.
He caught seven passes, giving him a 53.8% reception rate based on his recorded targets.
His 54 receiving yards placed him second among the Saints’ receivers. The relatively low yards-per-reception figure indicates that his production came through shorter gains.
Rashid Shaheed’s Contribution
Rashid Shaheed recorded six receptions for 33 yards.
| Rashid Shaheed Statistics | Total |
| Receptions | 6 |
| Receiving yards | 33 |
| Average yards per reception | 5.5 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 0 |
Shaheed’s six receptions helped the Saints distribute the ball across multiple receiving options.
However, his average of 5.5 yards per reception shows that his recorded production consisted mainly of shorter gains.
Other Saints Receiving Performances
New Orleans also received contributions from Brandin Cooks, Devaughn Vele, and Alvin Kamara.
| Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| Juwan Johnson | 8 | 76 | 0 |
| Chris Olave | 7 | 54 | 0 |
| Rashid Shaheed | 6 | 33 | 0 |
| Brandin Cooks | 3 | 26 | 0 |
| Devaughn Vele | 1 | 13 | 0 |
| Alvin Kamara | 2 | 12 | 0 |
| Team Total | 27 | 214 | 0 |
Johnson, Olave, and Shaheed combined for 163 receiving yards.
Their combined output accounted for a substantial share of New Orleans’ passing production. Yet none of the listed receivers recorded a touchdown.
This is one of the clearest differences between the two offenses. Arizona’s receiving group produced two touchdowns, while New Orleans’ receiving unit finished without one.
Receiving Comparison: Arizona vs New Orleans
| Receiving Category | Arizona | New Orleans |
| Receptions | 21 | 27 |
| Receiving yards | 163 | 214 |
| Average yards per reception | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Leading receiver | Marvin Harrison Jr. | Juwan Johnson |
| Leading receiver yards | 71 | 76 |
New Orleans recorded 51 more receiving yards and six more receptions.
However, Arizona scored twice through its passing game. The Saints did not record a receiving touchdown.
The difference demonstrates why receiving yards should be evaluated alongside scoring production, target volume, and offensive efficiency.
Defensive Player and Team Statistics
The defensive statistics provide another important explanation for the result.
New Orleans recorded five sacks, seven tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits. Arizona recorded one sack, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
The Saints were more productive in several pressure-related categories, but Arizona still held New Orleans to 13 points.
Arizona Cardinals Defensive Performance
Arizona recorded the following team defensive numbers:
| Defensive Category | Arizona Total |
| Total tackles | 74 |
| Solo tackles | 38 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Tackles for loss | 3 |
| Passes defended | 10 |
| Quarterback hits | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Fumbles recorded | 0 |
The Cardinals recorded 10 passes defended, showing that their defense disrupted several passing attempts.
Although Arizona generated only one sack, its defensive performance was not limited to quarterback pressure.
Passes defended can prevent completions and reduce the effectiveness of passing plays without producing an interception.
Budda Baker led Arizona with 10 total tackles.
Budda Baker Leads Arizona’s Defense
Baker recorded 10 total tackles, making him the Cardinals’ leading tackler.
His contribution was important in a game where the defense needed to contain a New Orleans offense that completed 27 passes.
A high tackle total does not automatically indicate that a defender played better than every other player. It does, however, show the amount of involvement he had in stopping the opposing offense.
Baker’s 10 tackles placed him at the top of Arizona’s defensive statistics.
New Orleans Saints Defensive Performance
The Saints recorded stronger numbers in several categories associated with defensive pressure.
| Defensive Category | New Orleans Total |
| Total tackles | 70 |
| Solo tackles | 43 |
| Sacks | 5 |
| Tackles for loss | 7 |
| Passes defended | 5 |
| Quarterback hits | 5 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Fumbles recorded | 0 |
The five sacks were particularly notable.
New Orleans recorded four more sacks than Arizona, and its five tackles for loss also exceeded Arizona’s three.
The Saints’ defense created pressure against Murray and limited Arizona to 163 passing yards.
However, the Cardinals still scored two passing touchdowns and finished with 20 points.
Pete Werner Leads New Orleans in Tackles
Pete Werner recorded nine total tackles, leading the Saints’ defense.
His total was one tackle below Budda Baker’s team-leading number for Arizona.
Werner’s contribution came within a defensive unit that also recorded five sacks and seven tackles for loss.
The team statistics show that New Orleans created pressure and disrupted plays, even though the defensive effort did not produce a victory.
Defensive Comparison
| Defensive Category | Arizona | New Orleans |
| Total tackles | 74 | 70 |
| Solo tackles | 38 | 43 |
| Sacks | 1 | 5 |
| Tackles for loss | 3 | 7 |
| Passes defended | 10 | 5 |
| Quarterback hits | 2 | 5 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles recorded | 0 | 0 |
| Leading tackler | Budda Baker | Pete Werner |
| Leading tackler total | 10 | 9 |
The comparison reveals two different defensive approaches in terms of recorded results.
New Orleans produced more sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits. Arizona recorded more passes defended and slightly more total tackles.
Neither team recorded an interception or a fumble in the supplied statistics.
The Saints’ pressure numbers were impressive, but Arizona’s offense still produced enough touchdowns to secure the win.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams also contributed to the overall statistical picture.
Arizona and New Orleans both recorded two successful field goals from three attempts. Their kickers had different longest successful field goals, and their punters produced different averages.
Arizona Kicker: Chad Ryland
Chad Ryland finished with eight points.
| Kicking Category | Result |
| Field goals made | 2 |
| Field goal attempts | 3 |
| Field goal percentage | 66.7% |
| Longest field goal | 50 yards |
| Extra points made | 2 |
| Extra point attempts | 2 |
| Total points | 8 |
Ryland converted two of his three field-goal attempts and successfully made both extra points.
His longest successful field goal was 50 yards.
His eight points represented a meaningful portion of Arizona’s 20-point total.
New Orleans Kicker: Blake Grupe
Blake Grupe also made two of three field-goal attempts.
| Kicking Category | Result |
| Field goals made | 2 |
| Field goal attempts | 3 |
| Field goal percentage | 66.7% |
| Longest field goal | 36 yards |
| Extra points made | 1 |
| Extra point attempts | 1 |
| Total points | 7 |
Grupe recorded seven points, including two field goals and one extra point.
Both kickers finished with the same field-goal percentage. Ryland’s longest successful kick was 14 yards longer than Grupe’s.
Punting Comparison
Arizona used Blake Gillikin as its punter, while Kai Kroeger handled the punting duties for New Orleans.
| Punting Category | Blake Gillikin | Kai Kroeger |
| Team | Arizona | New Orleans |
| Punts | 4 | 4 |
| Total punt yards | 188 | 202 |
| Average | 47.0 | 50.5 |
| Longest punt | 60 yards | 54 yards |
| Punts inside the 20 | 1 | 2 |
Kroeger averaged 50.5 yards per punt, compared with Gillikin’s 47.0.
However, Gillikin recorded the longer individual punt at 60 yards.
New Orleans also recorded two punts inside the 20-yard line, compared with Arizona’s one.
These numbers show that the Saints had a higher average punting distance, while Arizona recorded the longest individual punt.
Kick Return Statistics
| Kick Return Category | Arizona | New Orleans |
| Returns | 3 | 5 |
| Total return yards | 73 | 128 |
| Average | 24.3 | 25.6 |
New Orleans recorded 128 kick-return yards from five returns.
Arizona recorded 73 yards from three returns.
The Saints also had a slightly higher average return distance, finishing at 25.6 yards compared with Arizona’s 24.3.
Punt Return Statistics
| Punt Return Category | Arizona | New Orleans |
| Returns | 3 | 2 |
| Total return yards | 30 | 18 |
| Average | 10.0 | 9.0 |
Arizona produced 30 punt-return yards, while New Orleans recorded 18.
The Cardinals averaged 10 yards per return, one yard more than the Saints.
Overall, New Orleans recorded more kick-return production, while Arizona finished with better punt-return numbers.
Five Major Statistical Differences That Explain the Result
The final score becomes easier to understand when the most important statistical differences are examined together.
1. Arizona Produced More Passing Touchdowns
Murray threw two touchdown passes, while Rattler did not throw a passing touchdown.
This was one of the clearest differences between the offenses.
New Orleans had more passing yards, but Arizona received more scoring production from its passing game.
A passing offense can accumulate yards without consistently finishing drives with touchdowns. The difference between 163 passing yards and 214 passing yards was less important than the difference between two touchdown passes and none.
2. Arizona Recorded More Rushing Yards
The Cardinals finished with 146 rushing yards, compared with 107 for the Saints.
That gave Arizona a 39-yard advantage.
Benson’s 52-yard longest run was a major part of his individual production. Murray also added 38 rushing yards, while Conner contributed 39.
New Orleans had contributions from Kamara, Rattler, Miller, and Neal, but its total rushing yardage remained below Arizona’s.
3. New Orleans Generated More Defensive Pressure
The Saints recorded five sacks and five quarterback hits.
Arizona recorded one sack and two quarterback hits.
This means New Orleans was more productive in direct quarterback-pressure statistics.
The important distinction is that pressure and winning are not the same thing. A defense can create sacks but still allow enough offensive production for the opponent to win.
Arizona managed to score 20 points despite taking five sacks.
4. Arizona Converted Its Receiving Production Into Touchdowns
Arizona’s receiving unit recorded 163 yards and two touchdowns.
New Orleans recorded 214 yards and no receiving touchdowns.
The Cardinals had fewer receptions and fewer receiving yards, but their passing attack produced more direct scoring results.
Harrison’s touchdown and Conner’s receiving touchdown were especially important to this statistical difference.
5. New Orleans Had More Passing Volume but Lower Efficiency
Rattler attempted 46 passes, compared with Murray’s 29.
He completed 27 passes for 214 yards, while Murray completed 21 for 163 yards.
Rattler had more total yardage, but Murray had a higher completion percentage, more yards per attempt, and more touchdown passes.
This is a useful example of why attempts, completions, yardage, and scoring production should be evaluated together.
Complete Team Statistical Comparison
The following table brings together the major team statistics from the game.
| Category | Arizona Cardinals | New Orleans Saints |
| Final score | 20 | 13 |
| Passing completions | 21 | 27 |
| Passing attempts | 29 | 46 |
| Passing yards | 163 | 214 |
| Passing touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks allowed | 5 | 1 |
| Rushing attempts | 27 | 22 |
| Rushing yards | 146 | 107 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Receptions | 21 | 27 |
| Receiving yards | 163 | 214 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Total tackles | 74 | 70 |
| Solo tackles | 38 | 43 |
| Defensive sacks | 1 | 5 |
| Tackles for loss | 3 | 7 |
| Passes defended | 10 | 5 |
| Quarterback hits | 2 | 5 |
| Interceptions made | 0 | 0 |
| Kick returns | 3 | 5 |
| Kick-return yards | 73 | 128 |
| Punt returns | 3 | 2 |
| Punt-return yards | 30 | 18 |
One useful distinction in this table is the difference between offensive sacks allowed and defensive sacks recorded.
Arizona’s offense allowed five sacks, which means New Orleans recorded five defensive sacks. New Orleans’ offense allowed one sack, which means Arizona recorded one defensive sack.
This distinction prevents a common mistake when comparing quarterback and defensive statistics.
How Arizona’s Offensive Balance Helped Secure the Win
Arizona’s offensive production was spread across multiple players.
Murray handled the passing game, Benson supplied explosive rushing production, Conner contributed through both rushing and receiving, and Harrison and McBride provided the leading receiving numbers.
This distribution matters because an offense becomes easier to defend when it depends too heavily on one player.
The Cardinals had multiple players contributing in different ways:
- Murray recorded two passing touchdowns and 38 rushing yards.
- Benson produced 69 rushing yards and a 52-yard longest run.
- Conner contributed 39 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.
- Harrison led the team with 71 receiving yards and a touchdown.
- McBride recorded six receptions for 61 yards.
These performances show that Arizona received production from its quarterback, running backs, and receivers.
The offensive balance was especially useful because New Orleans recorded five sacks. Despite the pressure, Arizona had enough production from different areas to finish with 20 points.
It would be inaccurate to describe the Cardinals’ performance as a completely dominant offensive display. Their 163 passing yards were lower than New Orleans’ total, and the offense allowed five sacks.
However, the two passing touchdowns and 146 rushing yards provide a clear explanation for how Arizona generated its scoring advantage.
Why New Orleans’ Passing Yardage Was Not Enough
New Orleans finished with 214 passing yards, which was 51 more than Arizona.
At first glance, that number might suggest that the Saints had the stronger passing performance. However, several additional statistics change the interpretation.
Rattler completed 27 of 46 attempts, giving him a completion percentage of approximately 58.7%.
He averaged 4.7 yards per attempt and did not throw a touchdown.
The Saints’ leading receivers also recorded useful yardage:
- Juwan Johnson: 76 yards.
- Chris Olave: 54 yards.
- Rashid Shaheed: 33 yards.
- Brandin Cooks: 26 yards.
These four receivers combined for 189 yards.
The problem was not a complete absence of receiving production. The problem, based on the recorded numbers, was that the passing production did not include a touchdown.
Kamara’s rushing touchdown provided New Orleans with its only recorded offensive touchdown.
The statistics therefore point to a difference in scoring efficiency rather than a simple difference in offensive yardage.
Individual Players Who Deserve Attention
Several players stand out when evaluating the complete box score.
Kyler Murray
Murray deserves attention because of his two passing touchdowns, 72.4% completion rate, and 108.8 passer rating.
He also contributed 38 rushing yards.
His ability to create scoring production without throwing an interception was a major part of Arizona’s winning performance.
Trey Benson
Benson’s 69 rushing yards from eight carries were among the most efficient individual rushing numbers in the game.
His 52-yard longest run demonstrates his ability to generate explosive yardage.
His contribution was especially notable because he did not need a large number of carries to become Arizona’s leading rusher.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison led Arizona in receiving yards with 71 and scored one touchdown.
His 14.2 yards per reception and 45-yard longest catch made him the team’s leading downfield receiving contributor by the recorded figures.
Trey McBride
McBride led Arizona with six receptions and finished with 61 yards.
His nine targets also show that Murray regularly looked in his direction.
Alvin Kamara
Kamara was New Orleans’ leading rusher with 45 yards and scored the Saints’ only rushing touchdown.
He also added two receptions for 12 yards.
Juwan Johnson
Johnson led New Orleans with 76 receiving yards and eight receptions.
His 11 targets made him an important part of the Saints’ passing attack.
Budda Baker
Baker led Arizona’s defense with 10 tackles.
His total was the highest among the listed defensive leaders from both teams.
Pete Werner
Werner led New Orleans with nine tackles.
He contributed to a defensive unit that recorded five sacks and seven tackles for loss.
What the Statistics Tell Us About Both Teams
The numbers reveal several useful points about the performances of Arizona and New Orleans.
First, Arizona’s victory was built around scoring efficiency rather than passing volume. Murray threw fewer passes than Rattler but recorded two touchdowns and a significantly higher passer rating.
Second, the Cardinals had a stronger rushing total. Their 146 yards provided an important source of offensive production beyond the passing game.
Third, New Orleans showed that its defense could generate pressure. Five sacks are a substantial contribution, particularly against a mobile quarterback such as Murray.
Fourth, the Saints had more passing yardage but could not turn it into a passing touchdown. Their receiving unit accumulated 214 yards without a receiving score.
Finally, special teams provided additional differences in field position and individual production. New Orleans generated more kick-return yards, while Arizona had more punt-return yards.
These are measurable conclusions from the available statistics. The supplied box score does not provide enough information to establish exact drive-by-drive causes, coaching decisions, time-of-possession figures, or quarter-by-quarter scoring. Those details should not be assumed from the final statistics alone.
Statistical Limitations and How to Read the Box Score Correctly
A useful player-statistics analysis should explain not only what happened but also what the available information cannot establish.
There are several details worth keeping in mind when reading this game’s numbers.
Passing yards and receiving yards: The quarterback passing totals and team receiving totals are both 163 yards for Arizona and 214 yards for New Orleans. This is consistent with the supplied passing and receiving summaries.
Sacks: The five sacks listed against Murray are sacks allowed by Arizona’s offense. The Saints’ defense recorded those sacks. Rattler was sacked once by Arizona’s defense.
Touchdowns: Arizona recorded two passing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in the team summaries. These are two descriptions of the same scoring plays, not four separate touchdowns. New Orleans recorded one rushing touchdown and no passing touchdowns.
Tackles: Total tackles and solo tackles are separate categories. They should not be added together to calculate a new defensive total.
Missing information: The supplied statistics do not include a quarter-by-quarter score, complete individual defensive player breakdowns, time of possession, third-down efficiency, red-zone efficiency, or the venue name. These figures should be obtained from a complete game record before being added to a detailed statistical report.
For readers comparing player performances, the most useful approach is to consider several statistics together instead of relying on one headline number.
Historical Match Record and Statistical Reference
For readers who want to compare the numbers with the original game record, the ESPN Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints box score is the relevant reference for this September 7, 2025 matchup.
The player statistics discussed in this article are based on the supplied game data. The analysis distinguishes between individual player production, team totals, and defensive statistics to avoid confusing different categories.
It is particularly important to distinguish between passing touchdowns and receiving touchdowns. When Murray throws a touchdown pass to a receiver, the play appears in both the quarterback’s passing statistics and the receiver’s receiving statistics. It represents one scoring play, not two.
Likewise, Arizona’s five sacks allowed and New Orleans’ five defensive sacks describe the same defensive production from different statistical perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints game on September 7, 2025?
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-13 on September 7, 2025. Arizona started its season with a 1-0 record, while New Orleans began 0-1.
2. How many passing yards did Kyler Murray record against the Saints?
Kyler Murray completed 21 of 29 passes for 163 yards. He threw two touchdown passes, recorded no interceptions, and finished with a 108.8 passer rating.
3. How many passing yards did Spencer Rattler have?
Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 46 attempts for 214 passing yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception and finished with a 70.4 passer rating.
4. Who was Arizona’s leading rusher against New Orleans?
Trey Benson led Arizona with 69 rushing yards on eight carries. He averaged 8.6 yards per attempt, and his longest run covered 52 yards.
5. Who led the Saints in receiving yards?
Juwan Johnson led New Orleans with 76 receiving yards from eight receptions on 11 targets. He averaged 9.5 yards per reception and did not record a receiving touchdown.
6. How many sacks did the New Orleans Saints record?
New Orleans recorded five sacks against Arizona. The Saints also registered seven tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.
7. How many touchdowns did each team score?
Arizona recorded two passing touchdowns, while New Orleans recorded one rushing touchdown. These figures represent three offensive touchdowns in total, with Arizona scoring two and the Saints scoring one.
8. Which player recorded the most tackles?
Budda Baker led Arizona with 10 total tackles. Pete Werner led New Orleans with nine total tackles.
9. How many rushing yards did Arizona and New Orleans record?
Arizona finished with 146 rushing yards on 27 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. New Orleans recorded 107 rushing yards on 22 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.
10. Did either team record an interception?
No. Neither Arizona nor New Orleans recorded an interception in the supplied game statistics. Both quarterbacks finished without throwing an interception.
Conclusion
The September 7, 2025 matchup between Arizona and New Orleans finished with a 20-13 victory for the Cardinals. The result reflected a difference in offensive scoring efficiency, despite the Saints producing more passing yards and recording more defensive sacks.
Kyler Murray completed 21 of 29 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Trey Benson added 69 rushing yards, while Marvin Harrison Jr. led Arizona’s receivers with 71 yards and a touchdown. James Conner also contributed a receiving touchdown.
New Orleans produced 214 passing yards through Spencer Rattler and received 76 receiving yards from Juwan Johnson. Alvin Kamara led the rushing attack with 45 yards and scored the team’s only touchdown.
Defensively, the Saints recorded five sacks and seven tackles for loss, while Arizona registered 10 passes defended and held New Orleans to 13 points.
The most important statistical takeaway is that Arizona converted its offensive production into more touchdowns. New Orleans had advantages in passing yards, receptions, sacks, and kick-return yardage, but those advantages did not translate into a higher final score.
Overall, this game provides a useful example of why NFL performance should be evaluated through a combination of passing efficiency, rushing production, receiving touchdowns, defensive pressure, and special teams contributions rather than total yardage alone.
