Aaron Maybin Will Record 10-15 Sacks in 2012

Dec 04, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets linebacker Aaron Maybin (51) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. the Jets defeated the Redskins 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Maybin was a forgotten man with the Buffalo Bills. After heading into Buffalo with high expectations as a first round pick out of Penn State, Maybin did little to inspire. After two years of sacking nobody, and earning a bad reputation, the Bills let him go.

And go right to the Jets he went, and on to create his “Mayhem”. We all know the havoc he created in 2011, leading the team in sacks with 6, doing so as a part time player.

Here are some highlights to take us back:

The Jets let him loose, and run free he did, to the tune of the aforementioned 6 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. When he got the opportunity, he made the most of it in a big way.

Maybin has bulked up this offseason, trying to make his way into the lineup on all three downs. He will, and he will do so to the tune of 10-15 sacks.

I will talk about why on the next page.

SCHEME

First and foremost, the change in scheme will benefit Aaron Maybin in a big way.

As we know by now, the Jets, under the direction of new line coach Karl Dunbar, will be using more of a “43” base scheme, mixing in the “46” system of Rex’s Dad.

What this means is that guys like Sione Pouha, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Kenrick Ellis will line up heads up against the guards and center, creating the front necessary to run the “46”. This will create pressure from the inside, which drives quarterbacks such as Tom Brady crazy. Any highlights that include Brady playing badly, include pressure up the middle. This is one of the benefits of the “46”.

What this will create is more freedom on the outside. Aaron Maybin has just the speed to handle the rush from the outside. He will have the chance to shine in 2012, and he will make the most of it.

MOTIVATION

It’s hard to talk about motivation with pro athletes, because they should all be motivated, am I right? They should all play hard, simply because they are playing a game. But fact is a lot of times they don’t, so motivation becomes a factor.

Aaron Maybin’s abilities came under much scrutiny while in Buffalo, but now in New York, he has excelled. Why?

Motivation. The Jets brought Maybin here, to do what he does best, which is rush the passer. The Bills tried to fit him into what they wanted him to do, and that’s not always the best way to work with players. When you get a guy with talent, you have to put him in the best position to succeed. That means, you have to give him a chance to do what he does best.

That is what the Jets have done. They brought him in and said “Aaron, go get that guy”, that guy being the quarterback. He’s fast and can rush the passer, and that’s what the Jets let him do. So Aaron Maybin is motivated to get better, so much so that he has bulked up to be on the field all the time.

When someone feels wanted, like Aaron Maybin does, they work harder. They stay focused, and perform better than they ever have.

Aaron Maybin is in a system that enhances his talents, which translated into the team lead in sacks in 2011. He has bulked up, and is ready to take his strong play forward to even stronger play in 2012.

That, plus his motivation to prove that 2011 is no fluke will translate into a breakout season for Aaron Maybin. He will record 10-15 sacks worth of Mayhem. The only thing that will keep him from 15-20 sacks is guys like Calvin Pace, Quinton Coples, Muhammed Wilkerson…etc.

There won’t be enough sacks to go around for Maybin to record 15-20 sacks, and compete with the likes of DeMarcus Ware. But make no mistake, Aaron Maybin will be a dominant force for the Jets in 2012.

Agree? Disagree? Please sound off in the comments section