Part of how this Buffalo Bills defense has survived despite its litany of injuries has been a tendency to create the big play. Only two teams have created a turnover on a greater percentage of drives than Buffalo: the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Perhaps the two biggest reasons for that success come from opposite ends of the defense. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa and nickel corner Taron Johnson have both experienced breakout seasons of sorts, showcasing a knack for creating splash plays.
Johnson has garnered attention for Pro Bowl-level play, despite the lack of attention that comes from not playing along the boundary. He’s seen consistent praise this season but isn’t letting it get to his head.
“I take feedback with a grain of salt no matter where I get it from,” Johnson said. “I have an idea of what we did and I use that as my main focus instead of what other people really have to say. So it doesn’t really matter too much about the feedback.”
Johnson is having the best season of his career by Pro Football Focus’ defense grade (79.3). His 80.7 coverage grade ranks first among Bills defensive backs, but he’s put together a well-rounded season, stopping the run and pass with similar quality. For a slot corner often playing close to the line of scrimmage, that’s imperative to the defense’s integrity.
“When you’re doing well everyone’s telling you you’re doing well and when you’re doing bad, you’re the worst player,” Johnson said. “So I just try to not get too high, not get too low, and just stay consistent.”
Per PFF’s charting, Johnson has accumulated 67 tackles and three forced fumbles. He’s also recovered one, ensuring Buffalo feels the impact on his ball skills. He’s yet to find an interception this season, but with how well he’s played in coverage, few are complaining.
With two games to play, Johnson has become a focus for opposing offensive coordinators as a player to avoid. The game-changing ability he possesses is a risk few are willing to take with any consistency this season. The veteran defensive back knows it only takes a poor showing to become the target of opposing game plans.
“That holds some weight, but again it is what it is,” Johnson said. “I still gotta go out there and do it. So all the talk don’t mean too much. I gotta go prove it every week.”
He’ll look to continue his strong season when the Bills host the New England Patriots in a game Buffalo must win if it’s going to have a chance at an AFC East title in Week 18.
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