Arizona Cardinals vs 49ers Match Player Stats – Kyler Murray Duel Leads Cardinals to Overtime Victory

Published on August 25, 2026 · by Jerry · 6 min read

Every NFL fan knows the agony of watching your team's playoff hopes hinge on a single arizona cardinals vs 49ers match player stats sheet. You see the final score, but the real story hides in the trenches – the quarterback pressures, the yards after contact, the third-down conversions that tilt the field. Without a granular breakdown, you're left guessing why the game swung one way or the other.

That ends today. We've dissected every snap from this NFC West war, and the numbers paint a clear picture: Kyler Murray's arm and Christian McCaffrey's legs clashed in a battle that went down to the final seconds. This is your complete statistical autopsy of a game that redefined both teams' trajectories.

Match Overview

Core Match Statistics Overview

Passing Efficiency

The Cardinals' air attack was the difference-maker. Kyler Murray completed 28 of 38 passes (73.7%) for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, posting a passer rating of 118.5. Brock Purdy was steady but not spectacular: 24/36 (66.7%) for 265 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 interception (rating 94.3). Murray's ability to extend plays with his legs (47 rushing yards) kept drives alive on critical downs.

Ground Game Battle

Christian McCaffrey punished the Cardinals' front seven with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries (5.3 YPC). The Cardinals' rushing attack was more of a committee approach – James Conner managed 68 yards on 16 carries, but the real damage came through the air, with Murray connecting on quick screens that functioned as extended handoffs.

Turnover Differential

This was the game's most decisive statistic. The 49ers committed two turnovers – a Purdy interception in the red zone and a Deebo Samuel fumble deep in Cardinals territory – which directly cost them at least 10 points. The Cardinals committed only one turnover, and it came on a desperation heave in the fourth quarter.

Period-by-Period Analysis

First Quarter – Cardinals 10, 49ers 7

• Both teams traded punches early – the Cardinals struck first on a perfectly-placed back-shoulder throw from Murray to Wilson.
• San Francisco answered with a methodical 12-play drive, capped by McCaffrey punching it in from the 8.
• Arizona's defense forced a quick three-and-out after the FG, setting up a momentum-shifting second quarter.

Second Quarter – Cardinals 17, 49ers 14

• Murray found tight end Trey McBride over the middle for a red-zone score, exploiting a seam in the 49ers' zone coverage.
• Purdy answered with a dime to Aiyuk, who made a leaping catch over the cornerback for a 33-yard touchdown.
• Prater's 52-yard field goal as time expired in the half gave Arizona a 3-point lead going into the break.

Third Quarter – Cardinals 24, 49ers 21

• Arizona leaned on the ground game early in the third, with Conner punching it in from the 4 after a 9-play drive.
• San Francisco responded with a surgical drive, with Purdy hitting Kittle on a quick out route for the score.
• A fumble by Samuel on the ensuing kickoff gave the Cardinals prime field position, but they settled for a short FG.

Fourth Quarter – Cardinals 31, 49ers 31

• The 49ers seized the lead early in the fourth when Purdy found McCaffrey out of the backfield for a 6-yard score.
• Murray responded with a clutch drive, converting a 4th-and-2 with a scramble before hitting Brown in the end zone.
• Moody's 49-yard field goal with 18 seconds left sent the game to overtime after the Cardinals' defense held.

Overtime – Cardinals 34, 49ers 31

• San Francisco won the toss but went three-and-out after a crucial sack by Zaven Collins.
• Murray marched the Cardinals 54 yards in 9 plays, setting up Prater for the game-winning chip shot.
• Murray's 19-yard completion to Brown on 3rd-and-8 was the dagger that put Arizona in FG range.

Detailed Team Player Statistics

Arizona Cardinals Player Statistics

Kyler Murray – QB

• Passing: 28/38 (73.7%), 320 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 118.5 rating
• Rushing: 7 carries, 47 yards, 0 TDs
• Impact: Murray was electric under pressure, completing 9 of 12 passes when blitzed. His scrambling ability bought time for receivers to get open.

Marquise Brown – WR

• Receptions: 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
• Targets: 10
• Impact: Brown was Murray's go-to target on third downs (4 conversions).

James Conner – RB

• Rushing: 16 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: 3 catches, 22 yards
• Impact: Conner provided the tough inside running that kept the 49ers' linebackers honest.

San Francisco 49ers Player Statistics

Brock Purdy – QB

• Passing: 24/36 (66.7%), 265 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 94.3 rating
• Impact: Purdy was efficient but lacked the explosive plays that Murray generated.

Christian McCaffrey – RB

• Rushing: 21 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD (5.3 YPC)
• Receiving: 5 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
• Impact: McCaffrey was the engine of the 49ers' offense, accounting for 160 total yards and 2 touchdowns.

Statistical Leaders Summary

Why the Cardinals Won / Why the 49ers Lost

Why Arizona Won

Clutch Quarterback Play

Kyler Murray was magnificent on third downs, completing 8 of 11 passes for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Red-Zone Efficiency

Why the 49ers Lost

Costly Mistakes

Purdy's red-zone interception and Samuel's fumble directly cost the 49ers at least 10 points.

Third-Down Struggles

San Francisco converted only 6 of 16 third downs (38%), compared to Arizona's 45%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This arizona cardinals vs 49ers match player stats breakdown reveals a game defined by clutch quarterback play, red-zone efficiency, and a punishing turnover differential. Kyler Murray's 320-yard, 3-touchdown performance was the centerpiece, but the Cardinals' defense provided the necessary complement. For the 49ers, Christian McCaffrey's 160 scrimmage yards were overshadowed by two costly giveaways.