ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – Many Argonauts made their debut in Double Blue on Friday night, but perhaps none was more anticipated than that of DE Aaron Maybin.
A former NFL first round pick of the Buffalo Bills, Maybin was making his first start in the CFL and played in his first regular season game action since 2012 when he was a member of the New York Jets.
Maybin totaled two tackles in the loss against the Alouettes, but for him it was more of a learning experience than anything else as he adjusts to a new game, with new rules, on a new field.
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“Honestly, I’m surprised I’m not really that tired. I thought that I’d be a lot more winded after the game then I was” said a candid Maybin following Friday’s game.
The Argos starting DE was very open about the fact he thought the larger field would cause a bigger strain on his body then it did.
“It’s an adjustment; I’m not going to lie. I didn’t expect to feel as good as I do.”
Expressing the adjustment to the CFL game, Maybin remarked how different the CFL and NFL games were, especially the extra yard off the line of scrimmage.
“At game speed it’s a little bit different then practice tempo. Once you see it in a game it’s a lot easier in your preparation to make a plan for how you’re going to go about attacking your opponent.”
Maybin also remarked how he found there is “a lot more passing and skill oriented game […] you see [offensive players] getting out into space more” but added that it allows a guy like himself to showcase his talents as a speed rusher.
However, it cannot be forgotten that Maybin was only just signed on October 27, giving him just over a week between signing on the dotted line and strapping on the pads for the Boatmen.
“It’s impossible to learn a whole defence in a week as well as everybody’s who’s been there since training camp is going to learn it. I never put that expectation on myself, but I am very comfortable with where I am right now. ”
Though his Argos debut did not end as he had hoped (with a loss), Maybin was optimistic, noting that it was good he got some game action in before the 101st Grey Cup Playoffs kick-off on November 10th. Maybin and his teammates will have one extra week to take all of the mental and physical preperation they need, as they earned the right to see who will travel to Rogers Centre on November 17 at 1:00pm for the Eastern Final.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL DEBUTS
Maybin was not the only player making his debut on Friday night, as he was joined by DB Orhian Johnson, DB Branden Smith, WRs Darvin Adams and Ezra Millington, K/P Quinn Sharp and QB who took the field for the first time in the Canadian Football League. Smith was the most impressive of the bunch, totaling 134 total yards on eight kick returns.
In addition, LB Hugo Lopez and S Lance Milton made their debuts in Double Blue, having previously played for other CFL teams.