5 players that disappointed in Buffalo Bills’ loss to Pittsburgh Steelers

Bills Levi Wallace breaks up a pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster.Jg 091221 Bills 7
Bills Levi Wallace breaks up a pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster.Jg 091221 Bills 7 /
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Buffalo Bills
Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa (57) prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

DE A.J. Epenesa

Second-year defensive end A.J. Epenesa had a very exploitable matchup in Week 1, but the 2020 second-round pick failed to take advantage of it.

Playing mainly on the right side of the line, Epenesa was pinned up against rookie left tackle Dan Moore Jr. who was suiting up in his very first game. On 19 snaps, Epenesa failed to record a sack, didn’t tally a hurry, and registered just one pressure.

Epenesa’s performance looks worse when compared to veteran Mario Addison, who rotated with Epenesa on the right side of the defensive line. On 26 snaps, Addison produced one sack, one QB hurry, and two pressures.

An impressive performance would’ve been an encouraging sign that Epenesa is ready to make a big leap in his sophomore season, but Buffalo Bills fans will have to wait and hope that he can show he’s improved in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins.