Bills’ Maybin can battle passes in more than one way

By Anthony Bialy  |   Tuesday, June 09, 2009  |  Comments( 50 )

Buffalo Bills
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Aaron Maybin owns a first step that’s faster than a tweaking grizzly bear’s. But is it speedy enough to keep up with opponents who are running routes? Teaching the Buffalo Bills rookie defensive end to drop into pass coverage should be a priority for the staff over mandatory practices. Zone blitzes could be one way to make use of his talents, especially considering foes aren’t expecting him to go in reverse.

It depends on if Maybin is a fast learner. The former Penn State star is already being bombarded with information at a position that’s notoriously tricky to learn. Teaching the 11th overall pick how to dart back from the line would be an additional task to master for someone who’s already tasked with much.

Plus, the Bills are perceived to be committed to strictly delineating responsibilities. Theoretically, they like using their linemen only as rushers. In that vein, members of the front four understandably haven’t created many aerial turnovers recently. While nobody expects them to vacuum up pass attempts, the Bills still got no interceptions from linemen in 2008 and only one the season before; that single pick was made by the otherwise invisible Larry Tripplett.

But the ends and tackles did stop some completions last season: Buffalo’s defensive linemen were credited with 25 passes defended in 2008. Ryan Denney and Marcus Stroud led the way with seven each. Maybin could get in on the action thanks to his already legendary quick response.

It would be a novel experience for him, as Maybin didn’t intercept or defend a pass in his two active seasons as a Nittany Lion. But he could guarantee that he’ll get on the field early in his pro career if he picks up the techniques. He’ll certainly get chances for playing time considering that Buffalo’s pass rush barely technically existed last season. Even better, it will be a chance for Maybin to display his versatility; that includes the ability to occasionally sneak into coverage instead of charging straight ahead.

Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell could concurrently let fellow Penn Stater Paul Posluszny barrel toward the quarterback in Maybin’s place, creating a suitable amount of confusion in opponents. Kawika Mitchell is also a relentless sack pursuer when given the chance; Maybin could provide said chance by swapping roles on passing plays.

Offenses will have to figure out where the swift rookie went while dealing with a vicious linebacker storming past the line of scrimmage. If executed correctly, all Buffalo will have to do is wait to see if they get the ball back on an interception or a punt.

The Bills drafted Maybin in the first round based chiefly on his initial quickness; it’s worth seeing if he can use it to keep up with tight ends and slot receivers when he’s not smoking by offensive tackles. If he’s capable of stopping pass plays at the source, he should possess enough jump to run away from blockers. Thanks to his quickness, Maybin can spoil throwing attempts without even personally frightening the quarterback.
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