Chiefs LB Studebaker Again Credits Vrabel For Teaching Him

by Joel Thorman on Dec 4, 2009 11:04 AM CST in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

Almost three weeks ago against the Oakland Raiders, LB Andy Studebaker became a lot more important to the Kansas City Chiefs. With about a little over eight minutes to go in the third quarter, starting OLB Mike Vrabel went down with a knee injury causing Studebaker to quickly become a major part of the defense.

After that game, Studebaker credited Vrabel with "talking me through situations, helping me out, making sure I was on the top of my game."

In an interview the Pantagraph, a Bloomington, IL area newspaper, Studebaker again sung Vrabel's praises for taking the time to help him out.

"He definitely does not have to do that," Studebaker said. "I was really impressed that a guy who has won three Super Bowl rings would make time for a second-year player and teach him the ropes."

Vrabel "coached me up", Studebaker said. I think this is the behind-the-scenes stuff we don't see that made Haley and the coaches excited to land Vrabel. Words like "leader" and "professional" are often associated with Vrabel and I think this is an example of why.

Studebaker said that Vrabel, along with head coach Todd Haley, that any praise for his two interception performance two weeks ago is "not a license to relax."

This weekend, Vrabel could return to the lineup which would put an end to Studebaker the starter. and a return to Studebaker the special teamer.

"You will not hear any complaints from this corner."

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Comments

I love the Vrabel pickup.

He is a little long in the tooth and his physical skills have declined a little, but the defense absolutely needed an leader and a teacher to help with the transition to the 3-4. Vrabel and Cassel for a 2nd was a great trade IMO.

by saskwatch on Dec 4, 2009 11:11 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

yep...

If KC gets one good season out of Vrabel, but 5 good seasons out of Studebaker, because of what Vrabel taught him… that’s a huge benefit.

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
* Stats are for losers

by stagdsp on Dec 4, 2009 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

It seems to me that Vrabel will have a career as a coach when he is done playing.

by Helmets on Dec 4, 2009 11:41 AM CST reply actions

Vrabel needs to stay on the bench

and come in to spell Studi. I love Vrabel and everything but Studi is more valuable at this point. Studi has 17 tackles in the last 3 games. And 2 picks. Vrabel has 33 tackles in the 8 games he played.

Vrabel is good for about 4 tackles where you will probably get 5, 6 or 7 out of the Studi. Think of it like this. Since the Redskin game, Vrabel has 7 tackles.

I love the guy but I think Studi has earned his spot. That isn’t to say that Mike shouldn’t play but we need more Studi.

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by Patrick Allen on Dec 4, 2009 11:51 AM CST reply actions