Studebaker was big disappointment after showing an occasional flash early on.

I'm confused about the safety comment. I think Lewis is an ascending player as well.

Yep I think a little more seasoning he is going to be a good one.

i didnt think lewis played the run worth a shit this year.

I agree with you, but I don't know too many FS that play it well at all.

I think it had more to do with scheme than anyhting.

ALL OF THE ABOVE.

or a lack of faith in his tackling ability.

We definately need another OLB to play opposite Hali. Vrabel is washed up, and while I like Studebaker, he's not the guy. He's a decent sub/situational player but thats about it. He's looked good only in comparison to Vrabel's glaring weakness.

I think Lewis should get a chance to come back and compete again next year. When he was out of the lineup, the secondary suffered. It wasnt even in question. In terms of run defense, once the team secures a real NT and replaces Vrabel, the run D will fix itself. Dorsey and Smith, and an actual NT will make for a sound DL. Berry was often the man in the box as far as safety play, and he was flat out destructive against the run. If Kendrick Lewis is having to make a tackle against the run, its usually because the front 7-8 didnt do its job in the first place.

He played a lot of strong safety in college so I doubt that's it.

He made some tackles this year.

The problems with the defense started on the very first drive.

That's a pretty huge aside.

Bingo

I think Lewis hit the rookie wall where Berry didn't. Lewis and Berry are going to be even better next year.

Studebaker has done nothing for this coaching staff to give him more playing time. We definitely need another OLB to bookend Hali. A NT and an OLB would improve this defense immensly.

i agree here, if you watch some of the games closely you will see lewis struggle to tackle sometimes. i mentioned it early in the season and IMO it continued throughout. i still think he is ascending though

he looked foolish on some whiffs too.