The NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals was an exciting battle filled with strong plays, surprising moments, and some tough lessons for both teams. Played on November 3, 2024, this matchup gave fans plenty to talk about — from running game power to quarterback pressure and defensive stops.
1. Game Overview
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Chicago Bears with a solid performance. The Cardinals’ offense worked smoothly, and their defense kept the Bears from finding rhythm. The Bears fought hard but couldn’t turn their drives into touchdowns.
The final score showed how strong Arizona was on both sides of the ball. They had more total yards and controlled most of the game. While Chicago tried to make a comeback, missed chances and poor third-down plays made the difference.
2. Team Performance Breakdown
Let’s look at how both teams performed overall:
- Total Yards: Cardinals – 350 | Bears – 241
- Rushing Yards: Cardinals – 213 | Bears – 70
- Passing Yards: Bears – 172 | Cardinals – 137
- Third Down Efficiency: Bears – 3/14 | Cardinals – 6/13
- Turnovers: Both teams avoided big turnovers, but the Bears failed to score in red-zone plays.
These numbers show the Cardinals’ balance on offense. Their running game kept the Bears’ defense tired, while the Bears struggled to stay on the field long enough to build momentum.
3. Offensive Highlights
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals showed a powerful ground game led by James Conner, who rushed for 107 yards on 18 carries. His strong runs set the tone early, helping Arizona control the clock. Quarterback Kyler Murray managed the game well, combining short passes and quick runs to keep drives alive.
Wide receiver Marquise Brown added key receptions, and the offensive line gave enough protection to open running lanes. The Cardinals used smart play-calling, mixing inside runs and screens to confuse the Bears’ defense.
Chicago Bears
For the Bears, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a tough night. He completed 22 of 41 passes for 217 yards, but he faced constant pressure and couldn’t find the end zone. Still, he showed calm and accuracy at times, especially when connecting with Rome Odunze, who had 5 catches for 104 yards.
The Bears’ running game didn’t help much. Their total of 70 rushing yards made it harder for Williams to keep defenses guessing. The offense often stalled on third downs, forcing punts and giving Arizona good field position.
4. Defensive Highlights
Cardinals Defense
The Cardinals’ defense was one of the biggest stories of the game. They completely stopped the Bears from scoring a touchdown. The front seven, led by BJ Ojulari and Zaven Collins, put pressure on Caleb Williams all game long. Linebackers closed gaps quickly, making Chicago’s runs go nowhere.
Arizona’s secondary also played well, covering receivers tightly and stopping big plays. Their ability to tackle in open space prevented the Bears from getting long gains.
Bears Defense
Even though the Bears lost, their defense had bright moments. Montez Sweat and T.J. Edwards were active in chasing down plays and forcing quick passes. However, they had trouble stopping James Conner’s power runs and allowed too many first downs on the ground.
The main issue for Chicago’s defense was fatigue. Since the offense couldn’t stay on the field long, the defense had to play extra snaps, leading to mistakes late in the game.
5. Key Turning Points
- Early Cardinals Drive: In the first quarter, James Conner’s 25-yard run set up a scoring opportunity that gave Arizona early confidence.
- Missed Field Goal: The Bears missed a key field goal in the second quarter that could have changed the momentum.
- Third Quarter Pressure: Kyler Murray used his speed to escape sacks and convert third downs, keeping long drives alive.
- Late Defensive Stop: With five minutes left, Arizona stopped the Bears on fourth down, ending their comeback hopes.
These moments highlight why Arizona stayed in control from start to finish.
6. Quarterback Comparison
| Player | Team | Completion | Yards | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | Bears | 22/41 | 217 | 0 | 0 | 68.9 |
| Kyler Murray | Cardinals | 14/24 | 137 | 1 | 0 | 92.4 |
Williams showed good effort but lacked support from his offensive line. Murray, on the other hand, played a clean game and made smart decisions.
7. Rushing Game Strength
James Conner deserves special mention. His 107-yard performance reminded everyone of his reliability. He broke tackles and found holes quickly, often turning small plays into big gains.
The Bears tried to respond with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, but neither found success. Arizona’s defensive line shut down inside runs and pushed Chicago to pass more often.
8. Receiving Leaders
Rome Odunze stood out for Chicago. The rookie receiver showed good speed and strong hands. He gave the Bears their biggest plays of the night, including a 40-yard catch that brought energy to the team.
For Arizona, Michael Wilson and Marquise Brown both made important catches that extended drives. They may not have had huge yardage, but they made plays when it mattered most.
9. What This Game Means for Both Teams
For the Arizona Cardinals, this win was a big confidence boost. It showed that their running game can carry them even when the passing attack is quiet. Their defense also proved they can close games with strong tackling and pressure.
For the Chicago Bears, the loss is another learning step. Caleb Williams continues to grow, but the team needs to fix its offensive line and find better balance between run and pass. Their defense has potential but can’t do it all alone.
10. Final Thoughts
The Bears vs Cardinals game showed how important teamwork and balance are in football. Arizona played smart and strong, using every part of their lineup. The Bears showed flashes of talent but couldn’t finish drives.
If the Bears can improve their offensive timing and run game, they have a chance to bounce back in upcoming games. For the Cardinals, continuing this kind of performance could lead to more wins down the stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the Bears vs Cardinals game?
The Arizona Cardinals won the game with a solid all-around performance.
2. When was the game played?
The match was played on November 3, 2024.
3. Who was the top rusher in the game?
James Conner of the Cardinals rushed for 107 yards, making him the top rusher.
4. How did Caleb Williams perform?
Williams threw for 217 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He showed effort but faced heavy pressure.
5. Which team had more total yards?
The Arizona Cardinals had 350 total yards compared to the Bears’ 241.
6. Did the Bears score any touchdowns?
No, the Bears did not score any touchdowns during the game.
7. Who was the best receiver for Chicago?
Rome Odunze led the Bears with 5 catches for 104 yards.
8. What was the main reason the Bears lost?
The Bears struggled on third downs and could not establish their running game.
9. How did the Cardinals’ defense play?
The Cardinals’ defense was strong, stopping Chicago from scoring and forcing short drives.
10. What’s next for both teams?
The Cardinals will look to build on their success, while the Bears need to improve their offensive rhythm.
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