Buffalo’s homegrown DE came up big against Baltimore’s rushing attack.
The Buffalo Bills finally broke through the barrier that has been the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, beating the Baltimore Ravens 27-25. Everyone knew how potent the Ravens’ offense could be, and how bad they gashed the Bills in the run game in their Week 4 matchup.
All hands on deck were required to stop running back Derrick Henry first, and quarterback Lamar Jackson second. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo’s 2020 second-round draft choice, flew under the radar and was a key reason why the Bills were able to slow down Baltimore’s offense.
Let’s look at how Epenesa performed in the Bills’ playoff win.
A.J. Epenesa by the numbers
Epenesa was Buffalo’s second-leading tackler with six total tackles (three solo, three assisted). He also had two tackles for loss.
One of Epenesa’s bigger plays of the game didn’t appear on the stat sheet, when in coverage (yes, pass coverage) he took away one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s first reads near the goal line. This helped hold the Ravens to a field goal on that drive. Let’s review some of the highlights of Epenesa’s game.
All-22 Film review of A.J. Epenesa vs. Ravens
Play 1 — Epenesa stout against pulling guard
Epenesa set the tone early with this play. He took on the pulling guard with authority, shocking him backward and shedding the block to make the tackle on running back Derrick Henry. This is teaching tape by Epenesa.
Play 2 — Epenesa splits double-team
Here, Epenesa set up his man with a quick inside step and worked through the double-team to wrap up the running back at the line of scrimmage. It looks like the Ravens’ offensive line had some miscommunication here and let Epenesa free toward the end, but he was in the right place at the right time.
Play 3 — Epenesa in position for TFL
Jackson was tripped up by his center because defensive tackle DaQuan Jones knocked him back — but this is one of Epenesa’s tackles for loss. He may never find an easier TFL in his life. However, his technique and patience in scraping down the line on an outside zone play away from him put him in the perfect position.
Play 4 — Epenesa shows patience holding the edge
Another example of Epenesa doing his job and his alone as a positive. The play went away from him but Epenesa didn’t go chasing. He stayed engaged with the play, shuffling himself into the cutback lane, and disengaging his block to make the tackle. Well done!
Play 5 — A.J. Epenesa in pass coverage
This play was huge for the Bills, as it was part of why this drive ended in a field goal for the Ravens. Epenesa’s role in this play was just as big as Rousseau’s sack. Baltimore brought in six offensive linemen and kept the left tackle uncovered on the line of scrimmage, which made him an eligible receiver.
As Epenesa fired off the line, he felt something wasn’t right and noticed his tackle going out for a pass. Instead of continuing to rush Jackson, he dropped back and took away the receiver Jackson wants to throw the ball to. This gave Rousseau enough time to secure the sack.
Play 6 — Epenesa’s impressive strength gets the TFL
It truly is impressive how Epenesa worked down the line fast enough to keep up with running back Justice Hill while being blocked. Not only that, but he also ripped inside and made a big tackle for loss.
Play 7 — Recognition and quickness nab Epenesa an important tackle
The Ravens had good numbers to make this screen play successful and likely go for chunk yardage. However, Epenesa showed great awareness and hustle to be the inside pursuit and join in on the tackle.
In Summary
The Buffalo Bills will have another rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason, and they will look to tally their first playoff victory against Mahomes & company. The Baltimore Ravens’ offense was likely the best left in the field, and Buffalo’s defense held up strong.
As we all know, they’ll need to bring their best stuff against the two-time defending Super Bowl champs if they want to win. There will have to be a defensive standout or two for the Bills. Can it be Epenesa again, or will it be someone else? I can’t wait to find out!