It’s more than just a game. It’s a century-old story. The Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals share the NFL’s oldest rivalry, a tradition dating back to 1920 when the league was born. This is a matchup etched in football history.
The latest chapter unfolded on November 3, 2024, with the Cardinals securing a 29-9 victory. But the final score only tells part of the story. The real narrative is found in the numbers, the individual efforts, and the strategic battles that defined the contest.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats. We’ll go beyond the surface, analyzing key performances, comparing historical data, and exploring what makes this enduring rivalry so compelling.
The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry: A Century of Football
The Bears-Cardinals rivalry is not just another game on the schedule. It is the oldest rivalry in the National Football League, a living piece of football history. These two franchises are the only remaining founding members of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which was established in 1920 and later became the NFL.
For 38 years, this rivalry was known as the “Battle of Chicago,” as both teams resided in the Windy City. The Decatur Staleys, who would become the Bears, and the Racine Cardinals, named after a street in Chicago, were crosstown rivals. Their first meeting on November 28, 1920, ended in a 7-6 Cardinals victory, a result that cost the Staleys the first-ever league title.
The rivalry has evolved through three distinct eras: the intense “Battle of Chicago” (1921–1959), the less frequent matchups when the Cardinals moved to St. Louis (1960–1987), and the modern era since the Cardinals relocated to Arizona in 1988. Despite the geographical distance, the historical significance remains.
Historical Head-to-Head at a Glance
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 96 |
| All-Time Series Record | Bears lead 60-30-6 |
| Longest Bears Win Streak | 7 games (1940–1943) |
| Longest Cardinals Win Streak | 4 games (1950–1952) |
| Largest Bears Victory | 53-7 (1941) |
| Largest Cardinals Victory | 53-14 (1955) |
2024 Game Breakdown: Cardinals 29-9 Bears (November 3, 2024)
Game Overview and Key Statistics
On November 3, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the Cardinals defeated the Bears 29-9 in front of 64,609 fans. The game was a story of the Cardinals’ offensive efficiency versus the Bears’ struggles to find the end zone. While the Bears’ defense kept them in the game for a while, the offense couldn’t capitalize on opportunities.
| Team Stat | Chicago Bears | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 241 | 350 |
| Passing Yards | 172 | 137 |
| Rushing Yards | 69 | 213 |
| First Downs | 16 | 18 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 31:01 | 28:59 |
Quarterback Duel: Caleb Williams vs. Kyler Murray
The quarterback matchup featured two distinct styles. Caleb Williams, in his rookie season, showed flashes of his potential but struggled to lead the Bears to the end zone. He finished the day completing 22 of 41 passes for 217 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. His performance was a mixed bag of promising throws and missed opportunities.
Kyler Murray, on the other hand, was a model of efficiency. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 154 yards, also with no touchdowns or interceptions. While his passing numbers weren’t spectacular, his leadership and ability to manage the game were crucial for the Cardinals’ victory. He made key throws when needed and avoided costly mistakes.
Rushing and Receiving Performance
The ground game was a major differentiator. The Cardinals’ rushing attack was dominant, amassing 213 yards. James Conner led the charge with 18 carries for 107 yards, consistently moving the chains. Emari Demercado provided a spark with a 53-yard touchdown run, finishing with 59 yards on just 4 carries.
The Bears’ ground game, in contrast, was held to just 69 yards. D’Andre Swift had 16 carries for 51 yards but couldn’t find the explosive plays needed to ignite the offense. In the receiving game, Bears’ rookie Rome Odunze was a bright spot, hauling in 5 catches for 104 yards. For the Cardinals, Trey McBride was a reliable target, catching 3 passes for 35 yards.
Defensive Standouts and Special Teams
Defensively, Budda Baker was a force for the Cardinals, recording 10 solo tackles. For the Bears, Elijah Hicks had a solid game with 4 solo tackles. The Bears’ special teams were a key source of their points, with Cairo Santos successfully converting three field goals, including two from 53 yards out.
Turning Points and Game-Defining Moments
The game’s momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter. After the Bears closed the gap to 7-6, the Cardinals responded with two touchdowns, including Emari Demercado’s 53-yard burst. This sequence gave the Cardinals a comfortable lead they would never relinquish. The final nail in the coffin was a team safety in the fourth quarter, extending the Cardinals’ lead to 29-9 and sealing the Bears’ fate.
Historical Matchups: 2020–2023 Game Reviews
To understand the full context of the Bears-Cardinals rivalry, it’s essential to look at their recent encounters. These games showcase the evolving dynamics between the two teams, highlighting different players and strategies that have shaped the rivalry in the modern era.
December 24, 2023: Bears 27-16 Cardinals
In a late-season clash at Soldier Field, the Bears secured a 27-16 victory over the Cardinals. This game was a showcase for the Bears’ rushing attack, which amassed an impressive 250 yards. Khalil Herbert was the star of the show, with 20 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Fields, then the Bears’ quarterback, also had a significant impact, throwing for 170 yards and a touchdown while adding another 97 yards and a touchdown on the ground. For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray put up a valiant effort, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bears’ dominant ground game.
December 5, 2021: Cardinals 33-22 Bears
The 2021 matchup saw the Cardinals, with a stellar 10-2 record, travel to Soldier Field and defeat the struggling Bears 33-22. Kyler Murray was the undisputed star of the game, accounting for four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing). His dynamic playmaking ability was on full display, as he consistently eluded the Bears’ defense and made crucial plays.
The Cardinals’ offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 329 total yards. The Bears, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace, with their offense managing only 257 total yards. This game was a clear demonstration of the Cardinals’ superiority during the 2021 season.
Notable Games from Earlier Years
The rivalry has seen many memorable moments over the years. The 2018 game, a 16-14 Bears victory, was a tight defensive battle. And no fan can forget the infamous 2006 “Monday Night Football” game, where the Bears staged a miraculous comeback to win 24-23, prompting then-Cardinals coach Dennis Green’s legendary post-game rant: “They are who we thought they were!”
Key Players Deep Dive
Individual performances often shape the outcome of a game. In the Bears-Cardinals rivalry, several players have consistently made a significant impact. This section takes a closer look at the key figures who defined the recent matchups.
Caleb Williams: A Rookie’s Trial by Fire
The 2024 season marked Caleb Williams’ debut as the Bears’ quarterback, and the game against the Cardinals was a significant test. While he showcased the arm talent that made him a top draft pick, his final stat line of 217 passing yards with no touchdowns reflects a challenging day. He connected with Rome Odunze for big plays but struggled to sustain drives and convert in the red zone.
This performance was a microcosm of his rookie season: moments of brilliance mixed with the inevitable learning curve. The game against a veteran Cardinals defense provided valuable experience, highlighting areas for growth in pocket presence and decision-making under pressure.
Kyler Murray: A Veteran’s Poise Against an Old Foe
Kyler Murray has a history of dynamic performances against the Bears, and his 2024 outing was a masterclass in game management. While his 154 passing yards were modest, his efficiency and mistake-free football were exactly what the Cardinals needed. He effectively commanded the offense, allowing the dominant rushing attack to control the game’s tempo.
This contrasts with his 2021 performance, where he accounted for four touchdowns in a high-scoring affair. Murray’s ability to adapt his style of play to the game’s needs demonstrates his maturity as a quarterback and his understanding of how to beat the Bears in different scenarios.
Other Impact Players
Beyond the quarterbacks, several other players left their mark. Cardinals running back James Conner has been a consistent thorn in the Bears’ side, and his 107-yard performance in 2024 was instrumental in the victory. For the Bears, rookie receiver Rome Odunze emerged as a legitimate deep threat, giving fans a glimpse of a promising future.
On the defensive side, Cardinals safety Budda Baker continued to be a disruptive force, leading his team with 10 solo tackles in the 2024 game. His leadership and playmaking ability are a constant challenge for the Bears’ offense.
Coaching Strategies and Tactical Analysis
The 2024 game was a chess match between two different coaching philosophies. The Cardinals, under head coach Jonathan Gannon, executed a ground-and-pound strategy to perfection. They recognized a weakness in the Bears’ run defense and exploited it relentlessly, using a heavy dose of James Conner to control the clock and wear down the opposing defense.
The Bears, led by head coach Matt Eberflus, struggled to find an offensive identity. Their game plan seemed to rely on Caleb Williams making big plays, but the Cardinals’ defense was disciplined, preventing the rookie from finding a rhythm. The Bears’ inability to establish a consistent running game put immense pressure on Williams and the passing attack.
Defensively, the Cardinals employed a bend-don’t-break approach. They allowed the Bears to move the ball between the 20s but tightened up in the red zone, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns. This strategic decision proved to be a game-winner, as the Bears’ three field goals were no match for the Cardinals’ three touchdowns.
Statistical Comparison Tables
Top Performers: 2024 Game
| Category | Chicago Bears | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Leader | Caleb Williams: 22/41, 217 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT | Kyler Murray: 13/20, 154 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT |
| Rushing Leader | D’Andre Swift: 16 car, 51 yds | James Conner: 18 car, 107 yds |
| Receiving Leader | Rome Odunze: 5 rec, 104 yds | Trey McBride: 3 rec, 35 yds |
| Defensive Leader | Elijah Hicks: 4 solo tackles | Budda Baker: 10 solo tackles |
Historical Head-to-Head Stats (Last 10 Years)
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Cardinals | 29-9 | State Farm Stadium |
| 2023 | Bears | 27-16 | Soldier Field |
| 2021 | Cardinals | 33-22 | Soldier Field |
| 2018 | Bears | 16-14 | State Farm Stadium |
| 2015 | Cardinals | 48-23 | University of Phoenix Stadium |
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Who won the most recent Bears vs Cardinals game?
- The Arizona Cardinals won the most recent matchup on November 3, 2024, with a decisive 29-9 victory at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The game showcased the Cardinals’ dominant rushing attack, which amassed 213 yards, while the Bears struggled to find the end zone, settling for three field goals. James Conner led the Cardinals’ ground game with 107 rushing yards, and Emari Demercado added a 53-yard touchdown run. The Bears’ offense, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, managed only 241 total yards and failed to score a touchdown.
- 2. What is the all-time record between the Bears and Cardinals?
- The Chicago Bears lead the all-time series against the Arizona Cardinals with a record of 60-30-6 across 96 total meetings. This rivalry is the oldest in the NFL, dating back to November 28, 1920, when both teams were founding members of the American Professional Football Association (later the NFL). The Bears’ dominance was particularly pronounced during the “Battle of Chicago” era (1921-1959), when both teams were based in the same city. Despite the Cardinals’ relocation to St. Louis and then Arizona, the Bears have maintained their historical advantage.
- 3. Who were the top performers in the 2024 Bears vs Cardinals game?
- The 2024 game featured several standout performances. For the Cardinals, running back James Conner was the offensive star, carrying the ball 18 times for 107 yards. Emari Demercado provided the game’s most explosive play with a 53-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Kyler Murray efficiently managed the game, completing 13 of 20 passes for 154 yards. On the defensive side, safety Budda Baker led the team with 10 solo tackles. For the Bears, rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze was a bright spot, catching 5 passes for 104 yards. Kicker Cairo Santos was responsible for all of the Bears’ points, converting three field goals, including two from 53 yards.
- 4. How many times have the Bears and Cardinals played each other?
- The Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals have faced each other 96 times in their storied history. This makes it the oldest rivalry in the National Football League, as both franchises are the only remaining founding members from 1920. The frequency of their meetings has varied over the decades. During the “Battle of Chicago” era (1921-1959), they played each other twice a year. After the Cardinals moved to St. Louis in 1960, the meetings became less frequent. Since the Cardinals relocated to Arizona in 1988 and especially after the 2002 realignment, the two teams have met less regularly, typically once every few years.
- 5. What makes the Bears-Cardinals rivalry special?
- The Bears-Cardinals rivalry is special because it represents the NFL’s oldest continuous rivalry. Both teams are the only remaining founding members of the league from 1920, making every matchup a living piece of football history. For 38 years, this was the “Battle of Chicago,” an intense crosstown rivalry that defined the early NFL. The rivalry has witnessed some of the league’s most memorable moments, including Ernie Nevers’ still-standing record of 40 points in a single game in 1929 and Dennis Green’s famous “They are who we thought they were!” rant in 2006. Despite geographical separation, the historical significance and the shared legacy of these two franchises continue to make their meetings meaningful.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats from the 2024 game reveal a clear narrative: the Cardinals executed a superior game plan, while the Bears are still a team finding its identity. The Cardinals’ dominant rushing attack and efficient game management from Kyler Murray were the deciding factors. For the Bears, the game was a valuable, albeit harsh, lesson for their rookie quarterback and a clear indication that their run defense needs significant improvement.
This rivalry, the oldest in the NFL, continues to deliver compelling storylines. It’s a testament to the league’s rich history and the enduring passion of two of its founding franchises. While the teams’ fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the century, the historical significance of every Bears-Cardinals matchup remains.
As both teams look to the future, the next chapter in this historic rivalry awaits. Will the Bears, with their young talent, rise to the occasion? Or will the Cardinals continue to have their number? One thing is certain: when these two teams meet, it’s always more than just a game.
Leave a Reply