Aaron Maybin compared to 2009 DEs and beyond

by Steve

Just getting out of the BYE week and I am sick to death of STILL arguing with "Houston Texans' fans". The slumping Sabres are a bore as well. So lets compare Aaron Maybin (#11 overall DE 2009 draft) to his classmates and some historically good DEs in their first 8 games. The word bust will be avoided at nearly all costs.

#11 Aaron Maybin stat line (all stats per ESPN)

8 Games
6 Tackles
0 Sacks
0 Forced Fumbles

#3 Tyson Jackson

8 Games
12 Tackles
0 Sacks
0 FF

#13 Brian Orakpo

8 Games
26 Tackles
5.5 Sacks
0 FF
#18 Robert Ayers
8 Games
9 Tackles
0 Sacks
0 FF
#32 Evander Ziggy Hood

8 Games
1 Tackle
0 Sacks
0 FF

#43 Everette Brown

8 Games
8 Tackles
1 Sack
2 FF

#46 Connor Barwin

8 Games
9 Tackles
1 Sack
0 FF

The stats indicate Maybin is pretty much playing down to his class of defensive ends. Other than Orakpo playing in the 3-4 defense in Washington and his 5.5 sacks no on else on anyone's radar has done much of consequence in the NFL in their first eight games. Can it be argued anyone could have done as much as Maybin regardless of draft position thus far this season? Certainly. He has done nothing and has been used ineffectively and incorrectly. He is a ghost, a myth, a never was, a dream, a figment of our imagination.

The only question is who is to blame? Did his hold out and inability to sign a contract in time for even one day of training adversely effect the early part of his career? Are Jauron and Fewell so inept and overmatched that they have no idea how to use Maybin? Should Maybin have slipped much further in the draft? My guess is a mixture of the first two. Our coaches don't know how to use him, (considering there is a major lack of talent at the OLB position) Maybin has yet to see a snap from the linebacker spot and his lack of reps has also hurt.

For comparison's sack. Phil Hansen had 2 sacks his rookie year none coming until week 12. Reggie White had 13 sacks his rookie year starting with 2.5 in game 4. Bruce Smith had 6.5 sacks his rookie year registering 3.5 by game #9. Aaron Schobel had 6.5 sacks his rookie year and had 3 after game #8.

Bottom line Maybin is not yet a bust however he needs to show something/anything in the next eight weeks. To be honest it is nearly impossible for me to hold any player and their statistics accountable or comparable to pretty much anyone else in the league. This is a direct result of the ineptitude of the management and more specifically coaching of the Buffalo Bills. Dick Jauron makes anyone and everyone around him worse.