Bills' McDermott Previews Impact of DE A.J. Epenesa: 'Dialed In!'
After a strong campaign last year, Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa may be poised to break out this season.
The fourth-year defensive end is entering the final year of his rookie contract. With free agency potentially on the horizon, Bills coach Sean McDermott noted that Epenesa has had a strong offseason while revealing how important his role will be on the defense this season.
"He's dialed in," McDermott said. "He's a pivotal piece to our success this year. You could tell in the spring he had put a lot of work in, in terms of in the weight room prior to coming back to Buffalo for the OTA period, and he looks like he's in a good spot and continues to grow every practice."
After a mundane first two seasons where he had a combined 2.5 sacks, Epenesa broke out last season. The Iowa product set career highs in sacks (6.5), tackles (16), tackles for loss (7) and quarterback hits (10) in 15 games. Epenesa also had five passes defended and two forced fumbles.
Outside of Von Miller and Greg Rosseau when they're healthy, the Bills' pass rush has left something to be desired. They were tied for 14th in the NFL with 40 sacks last season.
The addition of Leonard Floyd, who has had at least nine sacks in each of the last three seasons, and Epenesa's continued growth may put Buffalo's pass rush in the upper echelon this year.
While the Bills' defense has been one of the best in the regular season, the unit has struggled in the playoffs. In the Bills' last three playoff games that they were eliminated in, they've allowed an average of over 35 points per game.
The best way to slow down the offenses Buffalo can face in the playoffs is with a strong pass rush. If Epenesa can continue to emerge and improve, he may take Buffalo's defense to another level.
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