Should the New York Jets Give Aaron Maybin More Playing Time?

by John B on Dec 1, 2011 2:46 PM EST

Cimini points out how productive Aaron Maybin has been as a pass rusher this year.

Based on his production, Maybin deserves more playing time. He has five sacks despite having played only 110 defensive snaps, the best pass-rushing ratio in the league for players with at least five sacks, according to the web site Pro Football Focus.

I am not sure this is such a slam dunk. I think part of the reason Maybin has been so productive has been the way the Jets have limited his use to things he is good at. He comes in on obvious passing downs, and his job is simply to get up the field to the quarterback. He does not have to worry about setting the edge in the run game, an area in which he struggles more.

I would not mind, however, seeing the team experiment more with Maybin playing on non passing downs. The play from Jamaal Westerman, Josh Mauga, and Garrett McIntyre has not been inspiring at outside linebacker. The Jets also have guys strong against the run like Bart Scott who can help cover for Maybin if he took on a role like Dwight Freeney flying up the field on most snaps?

What do you think? Are more snaps for Maybin worth a shot? Might the Jets have the pass rusher they have been seeking on the roster in Maybin?

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I am slowly turning into a Maybin believer

It’s a slow transition, but you can’t argue with production. He can cause problems.

by Clarke W. Griswald on Dec 1, 2011 2:54 PM EST reply actions

Not enough visual evidence.

I’d like to see him against the run and if he can do anything in coverage before I would say Yes to this. Because if he is truly a one trick pony then I’d say No. Freeney has more then one move, and has the speed to chase down RBs, Maybin has hussle but you need that speed to be in the mold of Freeney.

by Timmaht on Dec 1, 2011 2:57 PM EST reply actions

Actually, is Freeney even that fast?

Because the Colts have historically struggled against the run with Freeney in there, so would we even want to model anything from the Colts D? I like how we use him now, a la Jason Taylor, situationally.

by Timmaht on Dec 1, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

A vote of confidence.

He can be a everyday player. He just needs the chance. It looks like playing to stay with Jets a long time. He reminds me of a lite John Abraham. I am confident of Maybin.

Born a Jet. Die a Jet. On XBOX Madden 2012. I Play like a Jet!!!

by oneg82 on Dec 1, 2011 3:08 PM EST reply actions

As much as I love him, he’s probably not ready yet. He doesn’t know the full playbook yet and needs to bulk up over the offseason. Next year I think he can be a beast in that role. For now, I would keep him in the role he has now and just enjoy it. Whenever I see #51 with his hand in the dirt, I get genuinely excited.

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by bobdolethesnapplelady on Dec 1, 2011 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Agreed, I’m interested to see him play more..next year. This year, they seem to be using him well.

by Tim Sullivan on Dec 1, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

+1

I agree he does need to bulk up he is only around 220 that will not work in the rungame. It is fine for pass rushing and dropping into coverage. I think he is what he is for now a little bulking up not too much to slow him down, develop some more rushing techniques(swim, rip spin moves etc) and a full training camp…he could be a MONSTER!

by NYCKID on Dec 2, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions

ummmmm...yes

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Dec 1, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions

Don't know.

He kinda gets pushed around by TEs on run plays.

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by dvdvil on Dec 1, 2011 3:40 PM EST reply actions

What about size?

Isn’t size a bit of an issue? I think more playing time in the future isn’t out of the question, but I’d say your assertion that his productivity is because of how he is used as a situational player is pretty spot on.

by cult hero on Dec 1, 2011 4:02 PM EST reply actions

try it

ya never know till you try

by capz1990 on Dec 1, 2011 4:06 PM EST reply actions

Weight is not the issue: Defensive knowledge is the issue

Maybin is listed at 6’4", 240 lbs. (though I’m not sure that number is completely accurate).
Lawrence Taylor was 6’3", 241 lbs.

Long shot comparison, yes. But Maybin needs to improve his understanding of the mechanics of the OLB position. He’s too much athlete and not enough football player right now. Let him keep doing what he’s doing, and use the next offseason to turn him from an overachieving pass rusher into an unstoppable defensive force.

The GangGreenNation Twitter moderator.

by MachlinT on Dec 1, 2011 4:28 PM EST reply actions

yeah, but

LT was not playing again O-lineman that are the 350 pound monsters we have today.

In any case, Maybin is fun to watch right now. No need to change how we use him though…if it ain’t broke…

by O-Insanity on Dec 1, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions

LT was also coked out of his gourd and didn't feel pain.

by Timmaht on Dec 1, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

He’s closer to 220 than 240.

by Crackback on Dec 1, 2011 6:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I really only see him as a situational pass rusher.

I would still draft a pass rusher that can also set the edge if asked to. Bryan Thomas, and Westerman are free agents next year. Pace, Upshaw, Maybin, and a mid to late round pick on a guy like Sammy Brown.

Get busy winning or get busy losing.

by GangGreenMag on Dec 1, 2011 5:16 PM EST reply actions

I wouldnt give him more playing time until he bulks up.

I think an entire offseason/ TC reps would do him extremely well. He needs to begin working on technique and pass rusher moves. I think he could become a stud rusher with time and work.

by jets4life24 on Dec 1, 2011 5:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I think that's a problem the Bills ran into though,

he just wasn’t bulking up at all. I might have been routine based but it might be genetics based too and he may not be able to maintain a bulked up weight.

by Timmaht on Dec 1, 2011 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

I having a hard time finding out exactly how much he weighs

He is somewhere between 215 and 255

Get busy winning or get busy losing.

by GangGreenMag on Dec 1, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah he was down around 228 when OTAs would have came around for ther Bills,

and said he was comfortable at 250-255 here Isn’t that when you want to drop weight not have to put on 30-40 pounds?

by Timmaht on Dec 1, 2011 7:41 PM EST up reply actions

With work and weight training he can get thicker. An entire training camp with us to work on pass rushing moves can get him closer to being more than a situational rusher. And I think he’s up to the challenge

by jets4life24 on Dec 2, 2011 1:13 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Yes!!

That is all

by bllackkman on Dec 1, 2011 5:40 PM EST reply actions

I think we use him just about right.

Wish we moved him around more though.

by Crackback on Dec 1, 2011 6:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Really would like to see him do some stunts up the middle

If he comes through unblocked look out!!

by BIG OH!!!!! on Dec 1, 2011 9:22 PM EST up reply actions

This idea didn't work well in buffalo

I’m not saying the same thing will happen here but it’s important to realize

by JetMet on Dec 1, 2011 6:21 PM EST reply actions

Bart Scott

Great article and I think he should see more time. Sorry to nitpick, but Bart Scott cannot be considered strong against the run anymore though. Tackles aren’t everything, but he didn’t have a single tackle last game. The 6 games before that—- 4, 1, 3, 3, 5, 2. Yes he has gotten less time (for good reason), but even when he is on the field he is playing awful. He makes Ropati look like Usain Bolt. Craig Carton said it best on the fan today— “cant wait”? More like dead weight.

by ghepburn13 on Dec 1, 2011 6:52 PM EST reply actions

Umm. Can he play safety?

(only half joking), lol

by ________key on Dec 1, 2011 6:59 PM EST reply actions

Maybe

I know I am talking crazy but I change LB’s with crazy speed into safeties in Madden all the time, lol, But Brady would kill us with that

by bllackkman on Dec 1, 2011 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

I was really joking

but I also had in mind Roy Williams of Dallas, of which Parcels once said he was ""a biscuit short of a linebacker", hence the nickname “Biscuit”.

As far as Brady killing our safeties, that is going to happen all day anyways if we don’t put pressure on him, and figure out a unique of of doing it. We may have to get creative with our safeties.

by ________key on Dec 1, 2011 8:02 PM EST up reply actions

DO NOT WANT (except as a rusher)

I only like him trying to get to the backfield. I’ve seen QB’s take it to this kid. If the others play is uninspiring, I shrink to consider what Maybin’s would qualify as on run defense.

I think you also have to argue that our D line has been pretty consistently awesome through the years in spite of injury and/or lack of retention. Maybin has the likes of Pouha, Wilks, Devito and company pushing up front, keeping the line busy for him to work his way around.

I’m not trying to take the kids speediness away from him. Even if he didn’t get another half a sack the entire year, he was well worth what we paid for him. Great buy on Rex and Mike T’s part.

Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
GangGreenNation.com

by Bro Namath on Dec 1, 2011 7:49 PM EST reply actions

Maybin has the likes of Pouha, Wilks, Devito and company pushing up front, keeping the line busy for him to work his way around

You need to explain what this sentence means. The guys you name are great run stoppers, but are poor at generating a pass rush. So I really am confuse you are giving them some credit for Maybin’s sacks success.

by BIG OH!!!!! on Dec 1, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

The reason they don't generate a pass rush is because they actually have assignments

they have to battle on the line, they aren’t just a utility player.

Simply put, their push up front, coupled with excellent man to man coverage is what frees Maybin up to make it to the backfield. If you think these guys are just bums and Maybin’s success has nothing to do with them, then there isn’t much to talk about.

Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
GangGreenNation.com

by Bro Namath on Dec 1, 2011 10:48 PM EST up reply actions

I think the fact that we have these guys is the reason why we could put him in on more down...

Maybin has speed and hustle…I’ve seen him run through the entire backfield to go get involved with a run on the other side of the play. Since we have a huge line full of run stoppers if we scheme Maybin around those guys even on down where a run or throw is possible and just have him busting into the backfield at the snap to cause disruption it can break up a run play too. I’m not saying we should put him in on obvious running situations like 3rd and 1, but on 1st and 10 against teams with a great pass and a so-so run(Pats come to mind, even Maybin has to be able to stuff Woodhead), he could be very helpful on downs that aren’t obvious passing situations.

by RhodesRocks on Dec 2, 2011 6:49 AM EST up reply actions

I don't think they are bums

On passing downs, most of them are on the sidelines, and I know what 3-4 linemen do. I just don’t agree with what you are saying, and stop getting a attitude when someone disagree with you. Don’t mean I’m right.

by BIG OH!!!!! on Dec 3, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

marginally more snaps during meaningful game time

If the game turns to a blow out, then give him plenty in situations the coaches wouldn’t normally permit when the game is on the line.

by psualum9931 on Dec 1, 2011 10:27 PM EST reply actions

Blowout? Blowout?

by Putnan Prince on Dec 2, 2011 3:02 AM EST up reply actions

didn't the Jets do that once this year?

Can always hope for another

by psualum9931 on Dec 2, 2011 1:06 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

One Trick Pony

IMO the Jets are getting him on the field as much as his talent allows. Aaron is a liability against the run, if he can develop into being adequate the number of his snaps skyrocket. If Maybin could cover a TE or possibly cover in a zone he could increase his snap totals. These maybe training camp projects but I think small improvements in pass coverage or run defense could improve his snap count..
I think Aaron is a Free Agent at the end of the season, it willbe intersting to see how Tanny handles this one. McIntyre seems to be settling in, a McIntyre/Mabin rotation seems viable, with Westerman as Odd man out.The Jets used their first two picks in 2011 for the Defensive Line, in 2012 the first two picks could be for OLB’s

by JetOrange on Dec 2, 2011 8:28 AM EST reply actions

OL

I think our first pick should be on OL. That has been a major issue so far. Then a safety, then OLB. But it also depends on availability.

by psualum9931 on Dec 2, 2011 1:08 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

And hopefully not another project pick. We need someone who can at least be

a competant backup for the time being, instead of the 3rd string blocking TE with no hands that we have out there with Vlad.

by Timmaht on Dec 2, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

OLB

Slauson is having a pretty respectable season considering he’s a 6th round pick. I think OLB is most definitely the way to go with the first, maybe first two, picks. Brian Thomas is done, Calvin Pace I believe is in the last year of his contract as well, we need linebackers. I would think safety would be the next position to address, then, finally the O-line. Just my 2 cents.

by Clarke W. Griswald on Dec 2, 2011 1:27 PM EST reply actions

I think we have youth to develop at LB though with

Westerman, Mauga, McIntyre, Bellore, and Maybin (pending resigning). Each are young and have shown flashes that they could become capable players, abeit in the preseason in some cases. OL depth has got to be a must at this point. I agree Slauson is performing awesomely and Turner will be back (Hopefully) but Hunter and Vlad not options to start again next season and we still need depth.

by Timmaht on Dec 2, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions

Maybin should be on the field every down

Look at the agility in getting around the tackle position. He’s a classic penetrating player. What difference does it make whether he’s getting to an RB or a QB in the backfield? He needs to be on the field every down.

He’s strong too. He can bullrush a lineman just as easily as ripping around them. Just put him in on 1st and second down and have him bullrush people, and penetrate when he can.

by Munchausen on Dec 2, 2011 3:39 PM EST reply actions