Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs’ Studebaker putting himself in position at linebacker - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-17-2010, 10:18 PM

Chiefs’ Studebaker putting himself in position at linebacker
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

ST. JOSEPH | The Chiefs found a lot to like from outside linebacker Andy Studebaker in last week’s preseason opener in Atlanta. He chased Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan out of the pocket on a third-down play and played off a block nicely to make a tackle in the running game.

His reward at training camp this week has been plenty of first-team snaps, which can also be partly attributed to the advancing age of Mike Vrabel, the starter on the left side.

Studebaker is unlikely to steal many snaps from Vrabel once the real season begins, though the Chiefs have looked at him as an outside linebacker in nickel situations, with Vrabel moving to the inside.

If nothing else, Studebaker, 24, appears to be solidifying his place as the eventual replacement for Vrabel, who recently turned 35 and last winter signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs.

“He has to show that he can make plays consistently,” defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said of Studebaker. “He’s got a veteran guy in front of him, and he’s going to be hard to unseat. But when he does get into the game, he has to show he can hold up his end, which I think he did the other night, so you feel better about putting him in the game.”

The Chiefs ask their outside linebackers to make big plays. Studebaker had no game-changers against the Falcons, but the Chiefs have seen them from him before.

He started two games last season for the injured Vrabel and had a huge game when the Chiefs upset the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. He broke up two passes and intercepted two others, returning one 94 yards.

The Chiefs welcomed Vrabel back to their lineup once he was healthy and eagerly re-signed him during the offseason, but they’re aware they didn’t suffer when they had to play Studebaker.

“What we all saw was a guy who showed the game wasn’t too big for him,” linebackers coach Gary Gibbs said. “The bright lights didn’t concern him. That’s the thing you want to see from a young player. He wasn’t intimidated.

“We have confidence in him because he’s gone out and played well for us.”

When they switched to the 3-4 defensive system last year, the Chiefs weren’t sure how Studebaker would fit. He had been a defensive end to that point and never been asked to play in pass coverage.

That part of Studebaker’s game can still be rough. In zone coverage against the Falcons, he allowed a pass completion to Tony Gonzalez, and after the play Studebaker appeared mad at himself, as if he knew he’d been in the wrong place.

“There’s obviously some good and some bad in each game,” Studebaker said. “There were some plays that I thought were a little worse than they were. There were a couple of plays I made that I could have done a little better on, maybe made them faster than I did. You take the good with the bad and you learn from it or move on.

“I’ve had a little bit of success in coverage, and I’m starting to have a little success in the pass rush. I like to be able to do both things to pin one down and say, ‘That’s who I am.’ But I’m not quite sure which one I would pick.”

For the Chiefs, that’s good news for a player who only a couple of years ago was little more than a pass rusher and is still developing in all phases of the game.

“It’s not brand new to him, but he’s still in the transition, so he can improve in everything from rushing the quarterback to play recognition to recognizing formations,” Gibbs said. “That’s just part of the process.”

Coach Todd Haley talks often about the need to develop young players, and he says that with guys like Studebaker in mind. Studebaker played at tiny Wheaton College in Illinois and was a sixth-round pick by Philadelphia in 2008.

The Chiefs signed him from the Eagles’ practice squad later that year. Beginnings don’t come much more humble than that.

“He’s one of those guys that’s come a long way,” Haley said. “It was hard not to notice him (against Atlanta) in a lot of different areas. He’s worked real hard to put himself in a position to have some success. Some of that showed up. I’m excited about the direction Andy’s going.”

Fairplay · 08-18-2010, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Why does this fanbase always attach itself to marginally talented players?

Ain't that the truth. Our record over the years testify* to that fact. Though some could blame coaching on that. Especially the Herm years.

*

**BossChief** · 08-18-2010, 12:38 AM

wares numbers in same drills:

6'4
251
4.56
1.6 10 split
2.7 20 split
4.07 ss
6.83 3 cone
38.5 vertical
10.07 broad
27 reps

Studebaker is marginally talented...indeed.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 08-18-2010, 12:46 AM

I tried to post this 20 minutes ago on this stupid piece of **** website, but these are Brian Johnston's numbers.

They are better than Studebakers, FWIW.

courtesy Draft Daddy

http://www.shelbystar.com/sports/joh.../time_nfl.html

GWU's Johnston posts strong workout for pro scouts
NFL
Special to The Star
March 10, 2008 - 11:33PM
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Gardner-Webb product Brian Johnston, a rising prospect for this April's NFL Draft, wowed scouts at his first workout Saturday.

Working out at San Diego State for a handful of NFL scouts, Johnston showed exactly why he is one of the top defensive end prospects heading into April's annual draft.

Measuring in at 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, Johnston ran his first 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds. Johnston's 40-yard dash time would have been the fourth best at the NFL combine for defensive ends, and the best for any lineman weighing more than 260 pounds.

Johnston's most impressive stat from the 40-yard dash came with a very strong 1.51-second time through the first 10 yards, an important time with regards to a players quickness. By comparison, Johnston's 10-yard split was the same as Arkansas' running back Darren McFadden turned in at the Combine earlier this year.

Johnston pulled off an impressive 35-inch vertical leap as well on Saturday, which would have ranked second among defensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine - and best for a player of his size.

The most impressive result overall, however, may have been Johnston's time in the 20-yard shuttle. He turned in a 4.18-second time, which is better than any lineman at the NFL's Scouting Combine. In fact, the 4.18-second time was faster than any running back at the event - with Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall the only back to match that time.

"I felt really good after the workout," Johnston said. "The few scouts who stayed behind (after San Diego State's players finished) said that it was the best workout of the day, by far, and they were impressed. My agent (Baltimore-based Tony Agnone) told me Sunday that nearly every team in the NFL had called him after getting those results."

Johnston says he has formal visits set up with at least six NFL teams in April, prior to he draft. He is scheduled to work out once more for scouts, with that coming on March 25 in Winston-Salem.

wasi · 08-18-2010, 12:48 AM

I thought Sheffield played really well vs. ATL. I hope he keeps it up against TB.

**Rausch** · 08-18-2010, 12:51 AM

I like the fact that a back up is being productive and wants to make a name.

That's a good thing.

I loved our 3rd string QB (Thigpen) going in and playing over his head.

Another good thing.

Bad things happen when you start talking about productive backups being solid starters.

Nein.

Sometimes things just are what they are. Thigpen was an awesome 3 and a solid 2. Studebaker is a great reserve and situational player.

Don't make it more than what it is...

Titty Meat · 08-18-2010, 01:24 AM

Yea Andy Studebaker is the answer at OLB.

Marcellus · 08-18-2010, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Why does this fanbase always attach itself to marginally talented players?

It's great that Studebaker had a couple of balls hit him in the chest last year, but he hasn't exactly shown that he's much other than an improvement over Vrabel, which isn't saying much, because he doesn't belong in the league anymore.

A better question is why do you always take one or 2 posters and refer to those people as the "fan base"?

Hydrae · 08-18-2010, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I tried to post this 20 minutes ago on this stupid piece of **** website, but these are Brian Johnston's numbers.

Why are you here? If this is a piece of shit website and you seem to seldom, if ever, have anything good to say about the team you profess to support, why are you wasting your time like this? It makes one wonder if there are things anywhere in your life that are good and enjoyable.

Pasta Little Brioni · 08-18-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

A better question is why do you always take one or 2 posters and refer to those people as the "fan base"?

The baters are master strawman argument aficianados.

Hoover · 08-18-2010, 07:49 AM

Could we slide Vrabel inside?

milkman · 08-18-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

Could we slide Vrabel inside?

That just sounds wrong.

KCUnited · 08-18-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

Could we slide Vrabel inside?

a wood chipper? Yes, we could.

boogblaster · 08-18-2010, 08:48 AM

i like the kid ... can he play at this level .. maybe .....

donkhater · 08-18-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Why does this fanbase always attach itself to marginally talented players?

It's great that Studebaker had a couple of balls hit him in the chest last year, but he hasn't exactly shown that he's much other than an improvement over Vrabel, which isn't saying much, because he doesn't belong in the league anymore.

I think part of it is the 'out of humble beginnings' angle. Personally I grow sick of those athletes with all the apparent ability and advantages in the world not capitalizing on them and succeeding. It drives me crazy to see guys like Tyson Jackson, who has size, athleticism and (most importantly) the pateince of the coaching staff to be a very productive player and still underachieve. Then guys like Studebaker, Waters, Lilja, Priest Holmes come through and show that heart and determination also matter.

It's a very endearing story line. I think because of that, most fans are always on the lookout for it.

Shox · 08-18-2010, 09:15 AM

"The Chiefs ask their outside linebackers to make big plays. Studebaker had no game-changers against the Falcons, but the Chiefs have seen them from him before.

He started two games last season for the injured Vrabel and had a huge game when the Chiefs upset the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. He broke up two passes and intercepted two others, returning one 94 yards".

I'm not trying to say Studebaker is the answer, but name one big play Vrabel has made in a Chiefs uniform. It is time to go back to the Pats and retire retire Mr. Vrabel!!!!

08-17-2010, 10:18 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $732813	Teicher: Chiefs’ Studebaker putting himself in position at linebacker Chiefs’ Studebaker putting himself in position at linebacker By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star ST. JOSEPH \| The Chiefs found a lot to like from outside linebacker Andy Studebaker in last week’s preseason opener in Atlanta. He chased Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan out of the pocket on a third-down play and played off a block nicely to make a tackle in the running game. His reward at training camp this week has been plenty of first-team snaps, which can also be partly attributed to the advancing age of Mike Vrabel, the starter on the left side. Studebaker is unlikely to steal many snaps from Vrabel once the real season begins, though the Chiefs have looked at him as an outside linebacker in nickel situations, with Vrabel moving to the inside. If nothing else, Studebaker, 24, appears to be solidifying his place as the eventual replacement for Vrabel, who recently turned 35 and last winter signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs. “He has to show that he can make plays consistently,” defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said of Studebaker. “He’s got a veteran guy in front of him, and he’s going to be hard to unseat. But when he does get into the game, he has to show he can hold up his end, which I think he did the other night, so you feel better about putting him in the game.” The Chiefs ask their outside linebackers to make big plays. Studebaker had no game-changers against the Falcons, but the Chiefs have seen them from him before. He started two games last season for the injured Vrabel and had a huge game when the Chiefs upset the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. He broke up two passes and intercepted two others, returning one 94 yards. The Chiefs welcomed Vrabel back to their lineup once he was healthy and eagerly re-signed him during the offseason, but they’re aware they didn’t suffer when they had to play Studebaker. “What we all saw was a guy who showed the game wasn’t too big for him,” linebackers coach Gary Gibbs said. “The bright lights didn’t concern him. That’s the thing you want to see from a young player. He wasn’t intimidated. “We have confidence in him because he’s gone out and played well for us.” When they switched to the 3-4 defensive system last year, the Chiefs weren’t sure how Studebaker would fit. He had been a defensive end to that point and never been asked to play in pass coverage. That part of Studebaker’s game can still be rough. In zone coverage against the Falcons, he allowed a pass completion to Tony Gonzalez, and after the play Studebaker appeared mad at himself, as if he knew he’d been in the wrong place. “There’s obviously some good and some bad in each game,” Studebaker said. “There were some plays that I thought were a little worse than they were. There were a couple of plays I made that I could have done a little better on, maybe made them faster than I did. You take the good with the bad and you learn from it or move on. “I’ve had a little bit of success in coverage, and I’m starting to have a little success in the pass rush. I like to be able to do both things to pin one down and say, ‘That’s who I am.’ But I’m not quite sure which one I would pick.” For the Chiefs, that’s good news for a player who only a couple of years ago was little more than a pass rusher and is still developing in all phases of the game. “It’s not brand new to him, but he’s still in the transition, so he can improve in everything from rushing the quarterback to play recognition to recognizing formations,” Gibbs said. “That’s just part of the process.” Coach Todd Haley talks often about the need to develop young players, and he says that with guys like Studebaker in mind. Studebaker played at tiny Wheaton College in Illinois and was a sixth-round pick by Philadelphia in 2008. The Chiefs signed him from the Eagles’ practice squad later that year. Beginnings don’t come much more humble than that. “He’s one of those guys that’s come a long way,” Haley said. “It was hard not to notice him (against Atlanta) in a lot of different areas. He’s worked real hard to put himself in a position to have some success. Some of that showed up. I’m excited about the direction Andy’s going.”
Posts: 42,143

08-18-2010, 12:38 AM	#17
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1714088	wares numbers in same drills: 6'4 251 4.56 1.6 10 split 2.7 20 split 4.07 ss 6.83 3 cone 38.5 vertical 10.07 broad 27 reps Studebaker is marginally talented...indeed. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,150

08-18-2010, 12:46 AM	#18
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7989572	I tried to post this 20 minutes ago on this stupid piece of ** website, but these are Brian Johnston's numbers. They are better than Studebakers, FWIW. courtesy Draft Daddy http://www.shelbystar.com/sports/joh.../time_nfl.html GWU's Johnston posts strong workout for pro scouts NFL Special to The Star March 10, 2008 - 11:33PM SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Gardner-Webb product Brian Johnston, a rising prospect for this April's NFL Draft, wowed scouts at his first workout Saturday. Working out at San Diego State for a handful of NFL scouts, Johnston showed exactly why he is one of the top defensive end prospects heading into April's annual draft. Measuring in at 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, Johnston ran his first 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds. Johnston's 40-yard dash time would have been the fourth best at the NFL combine for defensive ends, and the best for any lineman weighing more than 260 pounds. Johnston's most impressive stat from the 40-yard dash came with a very strong 1.51-second time through the first 10 yards, an important time with regards to a players quickness. By comparison, Johnston's 10-yard split was the same as Arkansas' running back Darren McFadden turned in at the Combine earlier this year. Johnston pulled off an impressive 35-inch vertical leap as well on Saturday, which would have ranked second among defensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine - and best for a player of his size. The most impressive result overall, however, may have been Johnston's time in the 20-yard shuttle. He turned in a 4.18-second time, which is better than any lineman at the NFL's Scouting Combine. In fact, the 4.18-second time was faster than any running back at the event - with Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall the only back to match that time**. "I felt really good after the workout," Johnston said. "The few scouts who stayed behind (after San Diego State's players finished) said that it was the best workout of the day, by far, and they were impressed. My agent (Baltimore-based Tony Agnone) told me Sunday that nearly every team in the NFL had called him after getting those results." Johnston says he has formal visits set up with at least six NFL teams in April, prior to he draft. He is scheduled to work out once more for scouts, with that coming on March 25 in Winston-Salem. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,835

08-18-2010, 12:48 AM	#19
wasi Planner of the Year Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kelowna, BC Casino cash: $8161655	I thought Sheffield played really well vs. ATL. I hope he keeps it up against TB.
Posts: 876

08-18-2010, 01:24 AM	#21
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $2097558	Yea Andy Studebaker is the answer at OLB.
Posts: 75,366

08-18-2010, 07:49 AM	#25
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1478179	Could we slide Vrabel inside?
Posts: 17,380

08-18-2010, 08:48 AM	#28
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	i like the kid ... can he play at this level .. maybe ..... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

08-18-2010, 09:15 AM	#30
Shox Starter Join Date: Mar 2005 Casino cash: $10005765	"The Chiefs ask their outside linebackers to make big plays. Studebaker had no game-changers against the Falcons, but the Chiefs have seen them from him before. He started two games last season for the injured Vrabel and had a huge game when the Chiefs upset the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. He broke up two passes and intercepted two others, returning one 94 yards". I'm not trying to say Studebaker is the answer, but name one big play Vrabel has made in a Chiefs uniform. It is time to go back to the Pats and retire retire Mr. Vrabel!!!!
Posts: 718