By Tim Schmitt
ORCHARD PARK — It’s the kind of play Bills fans have been dreaming about since the lanky Penn State defensive end’s name was called off in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Aaron Maybin lined up at right end, came flying off the line of scrimmage, passed Detroit lineman Daniel Loper, then stripped quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Bills’ first defensive series on Thursday.
Copeland Bryan recovered the fumble in Buffalo’s first-quarter highlight of a 17-6 loss at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
For Maybin, it was the second big play in as many weeks. Last week, Maybin had a sack on Ben Roethlisberger in the team’s 17-0 loss.
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Two players who’ve seen their stature diminish this year allowed a deep touchdown in the opening quarter, even though it was called back.
Stafford dropped back and lofted a perfect pass to Calvin Johnson, who had split the tandem of corner Ashton Youboty and safety Ko Simpson. Youboty, who was originally slotted as a possible nickel back before being passed by second-year man Reggie Corner, also got beat by Johnson for 19 yards just two plays prior.
The 34-yard score was negated, however, by a holding call on Loper.
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Second-round pick Jairus Byrd made a big play at the goal line for the Bills, picking off a tipped pass that kept the Lions out of the end zone on the opening drive of the second half.
Ellis Lankster had coverage on Keary Colbert, but a pass from Brooks Bollinger was well behind Colbert and he popped it into the air.
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Those wondering if Ryan Fitzpatrick would provide a spark not seen in the first halves of the team’s first four preseason games got an official answer on Thursday — absolutely not.
After hitting his first two passes, Fitzpatrick finished the half by completing seven of his last 15 with no touchdowns and an interception. His QB rating for the night was a paltry 40.8.
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Nic Harris continues to impress as a second-string linebacker, and the rookie from Oklahoma led the team in first-half tackles with 10. Harris nearly had an interception on a nice play on the sideline, but stepped out of bounds.
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
