In a season marred by injuries, the Buffalo Bills defense has relied heavily on its role players to carry the team through, as best they can given the loss of perhaps three of its greatest players.
A.J. Epenesa, an edge rusher who frequently finds himself near the football, is one such example.
Along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions—one of which was returned for a touchdown—he has 6.5 sacks this season.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, Epenesa was the recipient of one of those interceptions. Buffalo prevailed 20-17 thanks to a number of vital defensive saves. Epenesa’s selection, the first one, established the precedent for what would deviate from the shootouts that this rival had become accustomed to.
Eric Washington, the assistant head coach of the Bills, didn’t hesitate to present Epenesa with his flowers on Monday.
“Well, it seems like every time A.J. steps on the field it appears as though he’s doing something extremely impactful for our defense and for our team,” Washington said. “ … The play that he was able to make was huge in terms of stopping the momentum Kansas City had on the first drive; taking the football away, being in the right position, and doing it within the context of the call.”
After that, Epenesa was mostly kept out of the box score and left the game with a rib injury. Sean McDermott, the head coach, evaluates him on a weekly basis.
Nevertheless, the edge rusher’s season continues to progress well. In his last season before becoming a free agent, he made a significant amount of money for himself and continued to perform well under pressure.
Those moments are bound to occur, especially with two more Super Bowl contenders coming up in four weeks during the home stretch. Epenesa will be responsible for coming up with more spectacular plays for the defense while Von Miller, a seasoned edge rusher, continues to struggle.
Washington credits his off-field habits for such accomplishment.
“A.J. is all set to go. Washington praised the way Washington studies and gets ready, saying that his practice habits are exceptional. “None of the things he’s doing surprises me or the other members of our position group.”
If he is well enough to play on Sunday, he will face an offensive line that has embarrassed elite players like Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jalen Carter and a scoring-obsessed Dallas Cowboys attack.
With the Miami Dolphins standing at the finish line, the Bills can afford to drop just one game out of their final four. Maintaining their momentum is crucial. Anticipate him to appear in both the highlight reel and the box score, assuming he is well enough to play.
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