Arizona Cardinals vs Texans Match Player Stats
The Arizona Cardinals vs Texans match player stats from December 14, 2025, tell the story of a game that was much more one-sided than the final 40-20 score alone might suggest. The Houston Texans controlled the scoreboard early, produced a highly efficient passing performance from C.J. Stroud, and added enough rushing production to keep Arizona’s defense under pressure throughout the afternoon. The Cardinals showed some offensive fight, particularly through Jacoby Brissett and Trey McBride, but Houston’s early advantage created a gap that Arizona could not close.
Houston entered the game with a 9-5 record and a 5-2 home mark, while Arizona was 3-11 overall and 2-5 on the road. Those records provide useful context, but the player-level numbers explain why Houston was able to turn the matchup into a convincing victory.
Stroud completed 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His 137.1 passer rating reflected one of the most efficient performances in the game. Brissett, meanwhile, completed 27 of 40 passes for 249 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He produced several positive plays, but Arizona struggled to match Houston’s efficiency when the game was still within reach.
Trey McBride was the standout receiving performer for Arizona, catching 12 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Houston received a more balanced contribution from its offense, with Nico Collins leading the Texans in receiving yards and scoring twice on only three receptions.
The final numbers also show a meaningful difference on the ground. Houston ran 33 times for 143 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Arizona managed only 72 rushing yards on 21 attempts, an average of 3.4 yards per carry.
These statistics make the December 14 meeting particularly useful for understanding how individual performances combine to shape an NFL result.
Arizona Cardinals vs Texans Match Player Stats at a Glance
The most important statistics from the game are summarized below.
| Category | Arizona Cardinals | Houston Texans |
| Final Score | 20 | 40 |
| Overall Record | 3-11 | 9-5 |
| Away/Home Record | 2-5 away | 5-2 home |
| Passing | 249 yards | 260 yards |
| Passing TDs | 3 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing | 72 yards | 143 yards |
| Rushing Attempts | 21 | 33 |
| Rushing Average | 3.4 | 4.3 |
| Receiving | 249 yards | 260 yards |
| Receptions | 27 | 22 |
| Receiving TDs | 3 | 3 |
| Sacks | 1 | 2 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3 | 4 |
| Passes Defensed | 3 | 6 |
| QB Hits | 2 | 3 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 | 1 |
One of the clearest differences is rushing production. Houston gained 71 more rushing yards than Arizona while also attempting 12 more carries.
That difference helped Houston maintain offensive balance. The Texans did not need to depend entirely on Stroud’s passing arm. Once the running game began producing consistent yardage, Arizona had to defend both phases of the offense.
Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Houston won 40-20, but the quarter-by-quarter scoring explains when the game was effectively decided.
| Quarter | Arizona Cardinals | Houston Texans |
| Q1 | 0 | 17 |
| Q2 | 7 | 6 |
| Q3 | 7 | 7 |
| Q4 | 6 | 10 |
| Total | 20 | 40 |
Houston’s 17-0 opening quarter was the defining stretch.
Arizona did not score during the first 15 minutes, while Houston generated 17 points. That meant the Cardinals spent most of the rest of the game trying to recover from a substantial early deficit.
Arizona responded with seven points in the second quarter, but Houston still held a 23-7 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter was even at seven points apiece. Arizona remained competitive during that period, but the Texans had already established enough separation that they could manage the game without needing an explosive comeback-killing performance in every possession.
Houston then outscored Arizona 10-6 in the fourth quarter.
The important lesson from the scoring pattern is that Houston’s victory was not created by one late surge. The Texans established control immediately and maintained their advantage through the remaining three quarters.
C.J. Stroud’s Passing Performance
C.J. Stroud was Houston’s most important individual offensive performer.
He completed 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His completion rate was approximately 75.9 percent, and his passer rating was 137.1.
Those numbers indicate a highly efficient passing game.
Stroud’s Passing Line
| Statistic | C.J. Stroud |
| Completions | 22 |
| Attempts | 29 |
| Completion Rate | 75.9% |
| Passing Yards | 260 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 137.1 |
The most important part of this performance may not be the 260 passing yards. It was the combination of accuracy and ball security.
Stroud averaged nearly nine yards per completed pass and did not throw an interception. Houston therefore received significant production without giving Arizona an extra possession through a passing turnover.
A quarterback can accumulate large yardage totals while still leaving opportunities on the field through turnovers or inefficient throws. Stroud’s performance avoided both problems.
His three touchdown passes also gave Houston an efficient way to convert offensive possessions into points.
Jacoby Brissett’s Performance for Arizona
Jacoby Brissett had a productive statistical game despite the final result.
He completed 27 of 40 attempts for 249 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. His passer rating was 98.9.
Brissett’s Passing Line
| Statistic | Jacoby Brissett |
| Completions | 27 |
| Attempts | 40 |
| Completion Rate | 67.5% |
| Passing Yards | 249 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passer Rating | 98.9 |
Brissett’s 27 completions were actually five more than Stroud’s 22.
That is an important detail when evaluating the game because it shows that Arizona’s passing attack was capable of moving the football. The problem was not simply an inability to complete passes.
Arizona’s offense had 249 receiving yards, exactly matching Brissett’s passing yardage. Yet Houston still won by 20 points.
The explanation lies in efficiency, rushing production, early scoring, defensive pressure, and possession value.
Brissett also threw one interception. Houston did not throw any.
That single turnover did not explain the entire 20-point difference, but it was another advantage for Houston in a game where the Texans were already controlling the scoreboard.
Trey McBride Was Arizona’s Offensive Standout
Trey McBride delivered the strongest receiving performance for the Cardinals.
He finished with 12 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
McBride’s Receiving Statistics
| Statistic | Trey McBride |
| Receptions | 12 |
| Receiving Yards | 134 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 2 |
McBride’s 12 catches represented nearly half of Arizona’s 27 team receptions.
His 134 receiving yards accounted for more than half of the Cardinals’ 249 passing yards.
That level of involvement demonstrates how central he was to Arizona’s offensive production.
McBride was not simply collecting short completions. His yardage total indicates that his involvement translated into meaningful movement down the field.
The two touchdowns were also significant because they provided Arizona with direct scoring production through the passing game.
However, individual excellence does not always translate into a team victory. Houston’s defensive and offensive balance meant that McBride’s production was not enough to overcome the early deficit.
Nico Collins and Houston’s Receiving Attack
Nico Collins led the Texans in receiving yards and touchdowns.
He caught three passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Collins’ Receiving Statistics
| Statistic | Nico Collins |
| Receptions | 3 |
| Receiving Yards | 85 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 2 |
Collins’ numbers provide an interesting contrast with McBride’s performance.
McBride caught four times as many passes as Collins, but Collins produced 85 yards and two touchdowns on only three receptions.
This suggests that Houston was able to generate substantial impact from fewer receiving opportunities.
The Texans finished with 22 team receptions for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Arizona had 27 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns.
The difference is therefore not the number of completions alone. Houston generated slightly more passing yardage on fewer receptions.
That is a useful efficiency point when analyzing the offensive numbers.
Arizona’s Rushing Production
Arizona finished with 21 rushing attempts for 72 yards.
The Cardinals averaged 3.4 yards per carry.
Michael Carter was the team’s leading rusher with 14 carries for 56 yards, an average of 4.0 yards per attempt.
Michael Carter’s Rushing Line
| Statistic | Michael Carter |
| Carries | 14 |
| Rushing Yards | 56 |
| Average | 4.0 |
Carter accounted for a large portion of Arizona’s rushing output.
His 56 yards represented more than three quarters of the Cardinals’ 72 team rushing yards.
That concentration is important because it indicates that Arizona did not have a broad rushing attack capable of consistently producing yardage from multiple sources.
The team’s 3.4-yard average was also below Houston’s 4.3-yard average.
When a team is already trailing, limited rushing efficiency can become an additional problem because it makes the offense more dependent on passing situations.
Jawhar Jordan Gives Houston a Strong Ground Game
Jawhar Jordan led Houston’s rushing attack with 15 carries for 101 yards.
He averaged 6.7 yards per carry.
Jawhar Jordan’s Rushing Line
| Statistic | Jawhar Jordan |
| Carries | 15 |
| Rushing Yards | 101 |
| Average | 6.7 |
Jordan’s performance was one of the clearest statistical advantages for Houston.
He alone gained 101 yards, which was 29 yards more than Arizona’s entire rushing total.
Houston finished with 143 rushing yards on 33 attempts, giving the Texans a 4.3-yard team average.
The difference between the two rushing attacks was therefore substantial:
- Arizona: 72 yards
- Houston: 143 yards
- Difference: 71 yards
Houston also had 12 more rushing attempts.
This combination of volume and efficiency allowed the Texans to keep the offense balanced.
Comparing the Two Quarterbacks
The quarterback comparison is especially useful because both players produced three touchdown passes.
| Statistic | Jacoby Brissett | C.J. Stroud |
| Completions | 27 | 22 |
| Attempts | 40 | 29 |
| Completion Rate | 67.5% | 75.9% |
| Passing Yards | 249 | 260 |
| Touchdowns | 3 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 98.9 | 137.1 |
At first glance, the passing yardage was almost identical.
That makes the efficiency difference even more important.
Stroud needed 29 attempts to reach 260 yards, while Brissett needed 40 attempts to reach 249 yards.
Stroud also avoided an interception.
Brissett’s three touchdowns show that Arizona was able to finish some drives through the air, but Houston extracted more production from fewer passing attempts.
This was one of the central reasons the Texans were able to win comfortably.
Team Receiving Comparison
The team receiving statistics were surprisingly close in total yardage.
Arizona recorded 27 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns.
Houston recorded 22 receptions for 260 yards and three touchdowns.
| Receiving Category | Arizona | Houston |
| Receptions | 27 | 22 |
| Yards | 249 | 260 |
| Touchdowns | 3 | 3 |
Arizona caught five more passes.
Houston gained 11 more yards.
That means the Texans averaged more yards per reception.
Using the team totals, Arizona averaged about 9.2 yards per reception, while Houston averaged about 11.8 yards per reception.
This is a meaningful efficiency gap.
Arizona’s passing attack was productive in volume, but Houston’s passing attack produced slightly more yardage with considerably fewer catches.
Defensive Statistics and Pressure
The defensive numbers also favor Houston in several important categories.
Arizona recorded:
- 73 total tackles
- 35 solo tackles
- 1 sack
- 3 tackles for loss
- 3 passes defensed
- 2 quarterback hits
Houston recorded:
- 72 total tackles
- 38 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 4 tackles for loss
- 6 passes defensed
- 3 quarterback hits
The total tackle numbers were nearly identical.
However, Houston produced more disruptive plays.
The Texans had twice as many sacks, one more tackle for loss, twice as many passes defensed, and one more quarterback hit.
Those figures indicate a defense that generated more pressure and more disruption despite having one fewer total tackle.
Houston’s Pass Defense
Houston’s six passes defensed were particularly notable.
Arizona recorded three.
The Texans also recorded an interception by Kamari Lassiter.
Arizona did not record an interception.
That gave Houston a clear advantage in takeaways generated through the passing game.
Kamari Lassiter’s Interception
Kamari Lassiter recorded Houston’s only interception.
Arizona did not intercept a pass.
In a game where Houston already had a strong offensive performance, adding a defensive takeaway provided another advantage.
Turnovers can have an outsized effect because they end one team’s possession while creating an opportunity for the other team.
Arizona also lost one fumble.
Houston lost one fumble as well, so the overall fumble-loss numbers were even.
The passing interception therefore became the key difference in the turnover statistics provided.
Fumbles and Ball Security
Both teams lost one fumble.
| Team | Fumbles | Lost |
| Arizona | 1 | 1 |
| Houston | 2 | 1 |
Houston committed two fumbles but lost only one.
Arizona committed one fumble and lost it.
When combined with the interception statistics, Houston finished with one more takeaway generated than Arizona based on the supplied game data.
More importantly, Stroud protected the ball through the passing game.
That mattered because Houston was already converting offensive possessions efficiently.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams also produced several noteworthy numbers.
Arizona’s kicker Chad Ryland finished 2-for-2 on extra points and recorded two points. He did not attempt a field goal.
Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn scored 16 points.
Fairbairn made four of five field-goal attempts, with a long of 55 yards, and converted all four extra-point attempts.
Kicking Comparison
| Statistic | Chad Ryland | Ka’imi Fairbairn |
| Field Goals | 0/0 | 4/5 |
| Extra Points | 2/2 | 4/4 |
| Long Field Goal | N/A | 55 yards |
| Total Points | 2 | 16 |
Fairbairn’s 16 points were a significant part of Houston’s 40-point total.
The ability to convert multiple field-goal opportunities gave Houston another reliable method of turning drives into points.
Kick Return Comparison
Arizona returned eight kickoffs for 207 yards.
The Cardinals averaged 25.9 yards per return and recorded a long return of 29 yards.
Houston had only two kick returns but gained 108 yards.
That resulted in an extraordinary 54.0-yard average and a long return of 69 yards.
| Kick Return Category | Arizona | Houston |
| Returns | 8 | 2 |
| Yards | 207 | 108 |
| Average | 25.9 | 54.0 |
| Long | 29 | 69 |
Arizona had considerably more return volume, but Houston had the stronger average and longest return.
This is another example of why raw volume should not always be treated as a measure of efficiency.
Punting Comparison
Arizona’s Matt Haack punted three times for 135 yards.
His average was 45.0 yards per punt, with a long of 56 yards.
Houston’s Tommy Townsend punted once for 43 yards.
| Punting Category | Matt Haack | Tommy Townsend |
| Punts | 3 | 1 |
| Punt Yards | 135 | 43 |
| Average | 45.0 | 43.0 |
| Long | 56 | 43 |
The Texans only needed to punt once, which itself reflects how effectively Houston sustained offensive possessions.
Arizona needed three punts.
That difference is not a standalone measure of offensive quality, but it fits the larger picture of Houston controlling the game.
What the Statistics Say About Houston’s Victory
The most useful way to understand this matchup is to look at the statistics as connected pieces rather than isolated numbers.
Houston did not dominate every category.
Arizona actually recorded more receptions and more total tackles.
But Houston won several of the categories that directly supported scoring efficiency.
The Texans had:
- More rushing yards.
- A better rushing average.
- More efficient passing.
- No passing interceptions.
- More sacks.
- More tackles for loss.
- More passes defensed.
- More quarterback hits.
- More points from field goals.
- A 17-0 first quarter.
The combination is important.
Houston’s defense created more pressure while the offense remained balanced.
Arizona, on the other hand, generated strong production from McBride and solid passing numbers from Brissett, but the Cardinals could not turn that production into enough points early enough to change the game’s structure.
Why the First Quarter Mattered So Much
The 17-0 first quarter deserves special attention.
When a team takes a three-score lead before its opponent has scored, the rest of the game changes strategically.
The trailing team generally needs to throw more often.
That can increase passing volume, which may make individual quarterback and receiver statistics look strong.
Arizona’s 27 completions and 249 passing yards fit that pattern.
The numbers should therefore be interpreted in the context of the scoreboard.
A team can accumulate passing yards while trailing without that production necessarily indicating that it controlled the game.
Houston’s early advantage gave the Texans flexibility. They could continue using the run, control the clock, and force Arizona to respond.
The Importance of Houston’s Rushing Advantage
Houston’s 143 rushing yards compared with Arizona’s 72 is arguably the most obvious statistical difference outside the passing efficiency.
The Texans gained 71 more rushing yards.
They also attempted 12 more rushing plays.
Jawhar Jordan’s 101 yards were especially important because he produced more rushing yardage than Arizona’s entire team.
That kind of ground production reduces pressure on a quarterback.
Stroud did not have to carry the entire offensive burden because Houston could move the ball on the ground.
Arizona did not receive the same level of support from its rushing attack.
The Importance of Efficiency Over Volume
One of the strongest lessons from these statistics is the difference between volume and efficiency.
Arizona had:
- More pass completions.
- More receiving catches.
- More total tackles.
- More kick returns.
Houston still won by 20 points.
Why?
Because the Texans were more efficient in several high-value areas.
Stroud completed 75.9 percent of his passes.
Houston averaged 4.3 yards per rushing attempt.
The Texans averaged approximately 11.8 yards per reception.
Houston also generated six passes defensed and two sacks.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s passing game required 40 attempts to generate 249 yards.
The game therefore illustrates why box-score analysis should not focus on one category in isolation.
How McBride’s Performance Fits the Bigger Picture
McBride’s 12 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns deserve recognition even in a losing effort.
His performance shows that Arizona had a dependable receiving outlet capable of handling a large share of the passing workload.
However, his individual production did not solve Arizona’s broader problems.
Houston’s defense limited other parts of the offense well enough to maintain control.
This is an important distinction when interpreting player statistics.
A high-volume individual performance can coexist with a team defeat because football is a multi-unit sport.
McBride produced at an elite level within Arizona’s passing attack, but Houston’s overall offensive efficiency and early scoring advantage were more influential to the final result.
How Stroud’s Performance Fits the Bigger Picture
Stroud’s numbers were less spectacular in raw volume than some high-attempt quarterback performances, but the efficiency was outstanding.
Twenty-two completions for 260 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions is a strong combination.
The 137.1 passer rating reinforces that conclusion.
His performance also complemented Houston’s rushing attack.
That balance made the Texans difficult to defend because Arizona could not simply focus on stopping one element of the offense.
When the passing game was efficient and the running game produced 143 yards, Houston had multiple ways to maintain offensive momentum.
Key Player Statistics to Remember
For readers who want the most important individual figures without going through the entire box score, these are the numbers that stand out.
Arizona Cardinals
Jacoby Brissett
- 27 completions
- 40 attempts
- 249 passing yards
- 3 touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 98.9 passer rating
Michael Carter
- 14 carries
- 56 rushing yards
- 4.0 yards per carry
Trey McBride
- 12 receptions
- 134 receiving yards
- 2 receiving touchdowns
Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud
- 22 completions
- 29 attempts
- 260 passing yards
- 3 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 137.1 passer rating
Jawhar Jordan
- 15 carries
- 101 rushing yards
- 6.7 yards per carry
Nico Collins
- 3 receptions
- 85 receiving yards
- 2 receiving touchdowns
Ka’imi Fairbairn
- 4-of-5 field goals
- 4-of-4 extra points
- 16 total points
- 55-yard field goal long
Kamari Lassiter
- 1 interception
Where to Verify the Box Score
The supplied statistics identify the ESPN box score as the source for Game ID 401772903. Readers who want to cross-check the official game data can review the ESPN box score and game coverage.
For a statistics-focused article, using the box score as the primary reference is useful because it keeps player totals, team totals, scoring information, and defensive statistics together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Cardinals and Texans?
The Houston Texans defeated the Arizona Cardinals 40-20 on December 14, 2025.
Who was the leading passer in the game?
C.J. Stroud led all passers with 260 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions on 22 completions from 29 attempts.
Who led the Cardinals in receiving?
Trey McBride led Arizona with 12 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Who was Houston’s leading rusher?
Jawhar Jordan led Houston with 101 rushing yards on 15 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
How many touchdowns did Jacoby Brissett throw?
Jacoby Brissett threw three touchdown passes and one interception. He completed 27 of 40 attempts for 249 yards.
Which team had more rushing yards?
Houston had more rushing yards. The Texans recorded 143 yards on 33 carries, while Arizona recorded 72 yards on 21 carries.
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals vs Texans match player stats show that Houston’s 40-20 victory was built on early scoring, efficient quarterback play, a productive rushing attack, and stronger defensive disruption.
C.J. Stroud completed 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His 137.1 passer rating reflected a highly efficient performance.
Jacoby Brissett also produced three touchdown passes and 249 yards, but he needed 40 attempts to reach that total and threw one interception.
Trey McBride was Arizona’s most productive receiver, finishing with 12 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Nico Collins provided Houston with 85 receiving yards and two touchdowns on only three catches.
The biggest difference came on the ground. Houston rushed for 143 yards compared with Arizona’s 72. Jawhar Jordan alone exceeded the Cardinals’ entire team rushing total with 101 yards.
Houston also created more defensive pressure, recording two sacks, four tackles for loss, six passes defensed, and three quarterback hits. Kamari Lassiter added an interception.
The 17-0 first quarter ultimately shaped the game. Arizona produced enough offense to score 20 points, but the Cardinals were forced to play from behind for most of the afternoon.
Taken together, the statistics provide a clear picture of a Houston team that combined passing efficiency, rushing balance, defensive disruption, and reliable kicking to maintain control from the opening quarter through the final whistle.
