Clemson standout TJ Parker electrified Highmark Stadium by leveling Kenny Pickett, signaling a defensive surge under Jim Leonhard as the Buffalo Bills pass rush terrorized the Panthers' backfield.
The Buffalo Bills front seven looked like a force on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.
Operating under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills recorded four sacks in a 29-14 win over the Panthers in front of 58,528 fans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
Rookie TJ Parker made a name for himself in the third quarter.
The second-round pick out of Clemson blew by his assignment to register a sack of Kenny Pickett.
During his postgame news conference, Parker told reporters that he was ready to get after the Panthers on Saturday, wanting to show the Bills what he can bring on Sundays. He gained confidence after the sack and is looking for more opportunities to put a quarterback in the turf.
"I was super excited about the opportunity to just get out here in front of the fans, to really show what I can do, and show my coaches and teammates what I can do, so they can count on me," Parker said, via the Bills' website.
"It definitely helps my confidence," Parker added. "It lets me know that I've got to keep working, keep going. I'm not satisfied with just one, I want multiple. I want to be able to do it again and continue to get better."
Veteran defensive end Mike Danna had a big day for Buffalo. The 2020 fifth-round pick out of Michigan recorded two sacks in the win.
On his second sack of the day, Danna read the Panthers' protection and guessed it would be a passing play.
"Something in their protection kind of told me it was going to be a pass," Danna said. "I just tried to burn the edge as quickly as I could, and I was fortunate enough to come up with a good play.
The Bills edges look more at home playing in Leonhard's scheme. Saturday was a strong start for the defense, which frustrated Panthers quarterback Bryce Young early in the contest.
Buffalo will have another chance to improve the pass rush in the preseason when they travel to play the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
