Aaron Maybin

Camp Mayhem 2

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:55:09 +0000

It is hard 2 believe that it has only been a week since the last blog. I think the grind of camp has a nasty habit of making your days longer and your nights shorter. There is soo much to prepare for during the season that camp has to be a constant, nonstop physical and mental repetition of the concepts & strategies you will face as a team. But the mental and physical strain has started to ease as our bodies have begun to adapt to the demands of an NFL season. Concepts are relayed and grasped quicker and the game has started 2 slow down for a lot of us, myself included. With Training Camp coming to a close next week, there is a light at the end of the tunnel because everyone is anxious to get back to Buffalo to be with our families and start preparing for week 1 of the season. But with the end of camp, also comes the added pressure of getting prepared and healthy for the grind of the season. I personally can’t wait. I’m looking forward 2 the challenge of helping to turn this team around for our city and our fans.
Our first preseason game against the Redskins was both frustrating…and sloppy…and at times…ugly. We played sloppy as a team, myself included. And we committed some costly penalties at crucial times, myself included, that took us out of the game. Preseason or not, It was a tough way to start off. Especially for me be being as I grew up less than an hour away in Baltimore. But after looking at the film the next day, there were a lot of positives that I took from the game, and a lot that I felt that I could learn from and build on. It did feel good to get a shot at rushing an opposing team’s quarterback rather than chasing Trent around the practice field all day. Felt good to get my 1st unofficial sack of the season. Didn’t feel so good to get flagged for an illegal hit on Donovan McNab early in the game because it kept them on the field 4 a scoring drive. It bothered me a lot because I didn’t mean to hit him illegally, but when u allow yourself to get too excited on the field, or in life, it clouds your judgment. Thus why it is so important to keep your composure at all times in spite of the Mayhem, lol. But that’s what the preseason is for. Mistakes are meant to be learned from, not repeated.
Tomorrow, we play the Indianapolis Colts in Toronto. Preseason or not, I always get excited to play the Colts. Peyton Manning is one of the great QBs in the game and will go down as one of the best to play when he’s done. Whenever u have the chance to play against a competitor like Peyton, even if its just for a few plays in the preseason, you ALWAYS want to bring your A game. And I’m not gonna lie, on film and in person, I always like watching Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis play. I watched them for years and have a lot of respect for how those guys play. But our O Line will be fine tho, we been givin them work like crazy in practice so they’ll be ready. So I’m hype for this game. For me, on gameday, once the whistle blows its all business. Haters and doubters can say what they want, I let them talk. I feed off of it. But when that whistle blows, that’s when I do my talking. The only thing I want pple to say about me when I’m done playing is that I gave 110% of everything I had every snap I played. And it’s with that mentality that I play the game.
Bottom line is, there IS talent on this team…A LOT of it. The media doesn’t act like they see it. But we do. We believe in this team and so do our fans. They come out and see us every day on the practice field working. And they are believing in us to bring a winning tradition back to a franchise that’s been needing it, and we want to be the ones to do it. The goal motivates us to keep working when we are tired and to play through the pain when we are hurt. There is nothing more important to me than Winning…it shuts up the haters, silences the doubters, and most importantly, it gives the fans what they deserve! BILLieve it….

Maybin to see how he measures up

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:10:11 +0000

For a lot of players the first preseason game is just about playing sound football and executing your assignments. The same holds true for Aaron Maybin, but he’s also anxious to see where his game measures up entering his second NFL season.

Maybin has worked diligently to improve his pass rush skills and wants to put them to the test Friday night.

“It’s definitely a measuring stick for us, definitely for me personally,” said Maybin of the preseason opener. ”It’s one thing to gauge your performance against your teammates, but they see certain things and certain things are schemed in practice. In a game having a chance to go against another team you’re definitely going to get some looks that you haven’t seen before, go against some guys that don’t know your technique. It’s going to be good to gauge your performance against another team.”

Maybin will be going up against Washington top draft choice Trent Williams to start the game before facing some of the Redskins reserves at offensive tackle. A former number one pick himself, Maybin’s speed rush has looked impressive in the practice setting. He’s still working on some of his counter moves off of that and is generally pleased with his progress.

“I feel like I’m good. Me and my coaching staff we all feel comfortable,” he said. ”We basically came into this season wanting to develop three or four small things and make sure those things I was executing to perfection. I think we’re getting to the point where I’m as comfortable as I’ve ever been with those things so I feel as though coming into this season that I’ve got a good arsenal to have under my belt.”

By Chris Brown

buffalobills.com

Camp Mayhem

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:59:51 +0000

Man, its hard to explain how I’m feeling right now. We are right in the middle of the grind. Tough practices, two a days. Guys playing hurt, competing with each other, pushing each other to be great. Training Camp provides both some of the best and worst of times for any team. Its meant to physically and mentally break u down as individuals, and build u back together brick by brick as one team. Thus my motto…one brick at a time. It signifies one team. One mindset. One goal. The process is tough. And it pushes us as players, but bonds a group of completely different men from different backgrounds together into a hardened group of warriors ready for battle. We all endure the same workload, and battle through the same adversity together because we are working towards a common goal.
This camp is especially important to me because of the fact that I missed camp last year because of my contract situation. Fans were quick to label me as a paycheck player without knowledge of the situation. That was tough to go through because of the fact that I have always been a player that gives 110 % on
the practice field. Any coach I have ever played for will tell you that nobody has ever practiced harder, but people weren’t seeing me in that light and it bothered me. Now, after having a season spent learning and growing as a Pro, its finally my opportunity to establish myself as a dominant force in this game on the biggest stage in front of the most loyal fans I have ever seen (outside of PSU, lol).
The fans are a big part of it tho. Its easy to be a fan when the weather is nice and your winnin. Its HARD to do it when its -20 @ The Ralph and the teams goin through tough times. And our fans have been doin it year in and year out, without fail. Full of passion, hope, pride, loyalty, and sometimes a little too much beer but hey, like I said…it gets 2 be cold in The Ralph, lol. But they’re behind us, no matter what. They deserve a GREAT team. And were gonna give it to them. Last year was the first losing season I have ever had in any sport in my life to date (true story) and to be honest, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The only way not to duplicate is to practice harder, play hardest, and pray always.
God has really blessed me this year. It has been a long year and a rollercoster ride of highs and lows. But knocking on the door of the biggest season of my life, All that matters is what’s ahead of me. The work has been put in to get me to this point, now its time for me to unleash Mayhem on the NFL. And with the birth of my daughter, Tacori last month my drive and passion to continue to push myself has never been stronger. Anything less than great is not acceptable.
That’s more than enough motivation to get u through the Dog Days of Camp. With our first game against the Redskins on friday, it begins the seasons climb up the ladder. I can’t wait. Lookin forward to making 2010 a year to remember for all my BILLievers!

Aaron Maybin

Blog Blitz Exclusive Interview: Aaron Maybin

admin — Sat, 08 May 2010 17:44:58 +0000

Linebacker Aaron Maybin was the Bills’ first-round pick in 2009. Maybin, a first-team All-American at Penn State, was drafted 11th overall and appeared in all 16 games last season. He is projected to start at outside linebacker this season.

The management team put together an exhaustive search for the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and that man is Chan Gailey. What are your thoughts on your new coach thus far?

Maybin: “I love Coach Gailey and the attitude he has brought to this team. He’s a blue-collar coach that has proven over his career that he knows how to win. He’s a no-nonsense kind of guy, but he definitely has brought a new energy to the team that has us ready to play with an attitude we didn’t have before. It’s very exciting.”

With the transition into the 3-4 defense, you are now projected to transition from a DE to an OLB. How will this transition help your performance on the field?

Maybin: “I believe that I am now in the position to best serve this team and our defense. I play best when I am allowed to play in space and rush the passer from different angles and positions. This new

defense allows me to do that. By isolating our rushers in one-on-one matchups, we can now take advantage of our speed and quickness.”

Being a former first-round pick yourself, what advice would you give new Bills RB C.J. Spiller as he enters the NFL?

Maybin: “Just to work as hard as possible and never to allow himself to get discouraged. The kid is talented; he knows that. He’s going to be a very productive player for us. All he has to do is stay humble and consistently improve.”

What do you think of the defensive additions your team made on draft day? It looks like they are getting much bigger on that side of the ball.

Maybin: “I think our front office did a great job of building the foundation for the future of this new defense. They picked up some solid players that will fit in well for us.”

Coming from a decorated collegiate program like Penn State, what do you take from your days there and being coached by the greatest college coach of all time in Joe Paterno?

Maybin: “My work ethic. One thing Penn State will teach you how to do is work harder than you think you can work. That attitude has taken me far.”

It is well known that former Penn State LB Lavar Arrington is a good friend and mentor to you. How did that relationship start and what are some of the things he helps you with both on and off the field?

Maybin: “It started years ago when I was in middle school. That’s Big Bro right there. We both have always had a lot in common from our parents being in ministry to how we played the game. We just connected. LaVar has been there to see me through a lot in life, and I consider him family.”

There are a lot of doubters out there right now about your team being competitive in the AFC East. What do you say to those that think the Bills will finish last in the division and miss the playoffs for the 11th straight year?

Maybin: “We welcome the doubters. They will only make the story greater once we write it. All I’m going to say is, don’t count out the Bills!”

Lastly, what can you tell Bills fans to expect from you and your team in 2010?

Maybin: “A new season. A new mission. A new swagger … Mayhem!”

– Maybin is permitted to attend rookie mini-camp this weekend because he has less than two years of NFL experience. His participation speaks volumes about his dedication to right this ship and get off to a fast start at his new position — starting OLB in the new 3-4 scheme installed by new defensive coordinator George Edwards.

This kid has all the intangibles to become a star in this league. He was born to play the rush OLB in this defense and I believe he will thrive in it. Bills fans have waited a long time to find a guy who can wreak havoc in the opposing team’s backfield. They have finally found their man.

As Maybin put it, Bills fans are in store for some flat-out “Mayhem.”

You can follow Maybin on Twitter @AaronMaybin58 and on AthleteTweets.com.

You can follow us on Twitter @BillsBlogBlitz and e-mail us with comments/questions. Keep it locked here on Blog Blitz for all the latest news coming out this weekend from One Bills Drive on the first 2010 mini-camp.

– TERRY LONG
NFL Blog Blitz powered by SportsFanLive.com

Maybin’s Major Benefit

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:21:34 +0000

Buffalo’s schematic shift this offseason from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive front will have obvious consequences for the 2010 season. Several defensive players on the roster will have to make adjustments to their game, be it mentally as their role within the system changes, or physically depending on what their position responsibility now requires. Perhaps no one is expected to benefit more than Aaron Maybin.

Many observers feel the shift to the 3-4 will allow Maybin to maximize his skill set. Still it will be an adjustment for the second-year player. However, the benefit the pass rusher will have in addition to the scheme change is the same position coach he had as a rookie.

Bob Sanders joined Buffalo’s coaching staff in 2009 serving as the defensive line coach. For 2010 he’ll be handling the outside linebackers, so a lot of the defensive ends he was coaching last year will still be under his jurisdiction this season including Maybin.

“Being able to have a coach on the staff that I’ve worked with the past year is a great thing for me,” said Maybin. “Me and Coach Sanders have a great relationship. I think that that’s going to be a huge help for me just because we’re so familiar with each other.”

Had Maybin been faced with getting adjusted to a new position coach and his coaching style, it may have taken away from his main focus of learning the new defensive scheme and his role in it. With that not part of the equation Maybin feels he can put all his energy into being a successful contributor in 2010.

“He knows what my skill set is, he knows the kind of player I am, he knows the kind of worker I am, so a lot of those things that makes it easier where I don’t have to go through all that with a new coach,” said Maybin. “This is a coach that knows me, he knows what my capabilities are, and he’s going to do what he needs to do to make sure that I’m ready to play.”

And Sanders has been getting pass rushers ready to play for the better part of the last 30 years.

Whether it was Jevon Kearse during his college days at the University of Florida, Aaron Kampman with the Green Bay Packers, or getting a bounce back season from Aaron Schobel with the Bills, Sanders has a way of bringing the best out of his players.

Bills head coach Chan Gailey certainly hopes the same can be done with Maybin.

“He’s got a lot of physical talent and if we can get him moved and get him to where he’s standing up and doing some things off the edge, that might fit him a lot better than a hand on the ground 4-3 defensive end,” said Gailey. “I think for him it’s a great move and hopefully that turns into being a great move for our football team.”

“I think the system’s perfect for me,” Maybin said. “I’ve been telling people for weeks. I couldn’t be more excited about this season coming up with just the new defensive scheme that we’re running and with just the personnel that we’re bringing in and that we’ve already brought in, and just the guys on the team that we already have. I couldn’t be more excited. I think it’s going to be great.”

Chris Brown, Lead Journalist www.buffalobills.com

Posted Apr 11, 2010

Bills’ Maybin Full of Enthusiasm

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:15:54 +0000

Second-year pro excited about switching defensive scheme

Sometimes change is good. For Aaron Maybin, change could be for the better.

The Buffalo Bills sure hope so.

With the Bills leaving the 4-3 defense in favor of the 3-4 scheme, Maybin is making the conversion from defensive end to outside linebacker. After being grounded for most of his rookie year, the position switch just might be what Maybin needs to help his career take off.

“I’ve been telling people for weeks I couldn’t be more excited about this season coming up with the new defensive scheme that we’re running and with the personnel that we’re bringing in, that we’ve already brought in and just the guys on the team that we already have,” Maybin said this week at the Bills’ fieldhouse, where the team is conducting its voluntary offseason conditioning program. “I think it’s going to be great.”

The Bills drafted Maybin in the first round last year because of the dynamic pass-rushing skills he displayed at Penn State. But he didn’t get on the field enough to make an impact.

Averaging only 14 snaps a game, Maybin didn’t record a sack and was involved in just 18 tackles. Not exactly what you would expect from the 11th overall pick.

Playing time and better statistics could be in the offing for Maybin in the 3-4, with its multiple fronts capable of causing confusion for opposing offenses.

“I think the system is perfect for me,” he said. “When you run a 4-3 package you’re a little bit more limited in certain things you can do from a blitz perspective and certain looks you can give. When you run a 3-4 defense it’s really hard for [offenses] to match up with a lot of the guys, especially when you have a lot of the athletes that we have on this team.

“I think the fact that you never really know where the blitzes are coming from, where the pressure is going to be coming from, just from an offensive standpoint it makes it a lot more difficult.”

It shouldn’t be difficult for Maybin to make the transition to outside linebacker. The Penn State defense he played in had some 3-4 looks and many NFL teams projected him as an outside linebacker going into last year’s draft. Read full article at BuffaloNews.com

Commitment 4 Change Summer Youth Camp

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:33:07 +0000

Please join Baltimore’s own retired NFL Atlanta Falcon, Keion Carpenter, Buffalo Bills’ Defensive End, Aaron Maybin, and their NFL colleagues for the 2^nd annual Commitment for Change (C4C) youth summer camp. With similar ties to Baltimore and the NFL, both Keion and Aaron share a commitment to giving back. Inspired by their personal journey to the NFL, they have designed this year’s 6 day clinic to teach our young athletes the tools to succeed on and off the field. Carpenter and Maybin’s goal is to give Baltimore’s youth access to the resources they need to make good decisions and lead successful lives beyond the gridiron by providing SAT prep, college life overviews, healthy living & life skills seminars, as well as, technical sports training. The camp, which seeks to marry formal education and fieldwork with interactive workshops, will take place this summer on the grounds of Woodlawn Senior High School in Baltimore County.

For ticket information, go to www.c4c2010.eventbrite.com

Celebrity Celebration of the Arts Video

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:09:27 +0000

Check out Aaron’s new video on the upcoming Celebrity Celebration of the Arts.

Getting Maybin Going

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:36:39 +0000

During Buffalo’s bye week the list of priorities was pretty clear for their defensive staff. A long hard look had to be taken with respect to the team’s run defense, but there was a close second right behind it.

“Our focus is to shore up our run defense first,” said defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. “And then what we can do with our top pick to help him be more effective in the second half of the season.”

Fewell is referring to defensive end Aaron Maybin. Drafted 11th overall last April, there have been high expectations for the rookie as it was widely anticipated that he would give Buffalo’s pass rush an added shot in the arm. Read full article at BuffaloBills.com

Wake Up: Aaron Maybin Interview

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:36:03 +0000

Michelle Guess had an opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Baltimore’s own Aaron M. Maybin. Aaron was the first round 2009 draft pick for the Buffalo Bills football team.

Aaron was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Penn State University and majored in Integrated Arts and Communications until he decided to try out this year, his junior year of college, for the football draft. Although Mr. Maybin is still currently a student at Penn State, he will continue to pursue his degree online.

Aaron Maybin is not only a talented defensive end, but is also a talented and excellent artist and painter. To learn more about the man behind the football, listen to the audio video interview conducted by Michelle Guess to gain insight about this positive, professional, inspiring young man. Read full article at ETMMagazine