The Lewis/ LJP decision was probably based on the defensive schemes we were predicted to face as well as the success Lewis had when he started against the Cards in our first matchup of the season.
Philly and SF run true 3-4/ 2 gap scheme defenses and their blitzes are pretty predictable and easily identified. That is one of the dings I have heard against Fangio. Against them, I would pick the more physical center over the center who could read the defensive scheme better.
Arizona and St. Louis are pretty unpredictable, mix up their alignments more, and are more blitz prone. Arizona ended Demarco Murray's incredible 100 yard streak by switching to a 4-3 defense and holding him to 79 yards. St. Louis runs a base 4-3 and are one of the better teams at disguising the blitz. Against these teams, I would pick the smarter center who is better at reading the defensive scheme.
I'm not certain who is really physically more gifted, but it seems pretty clear that Lewis is the more cerebral player. He did a great job learning the scheme on short notice when he was brought in for the Oakland preseason game.
Tom Cable had this to say about him
He’s got a really cool brain. He picked things up really quickly in a short period of time. So that always piques my interest when a guy has the ability to do that.
Of course St Louis' defense is stronger in the center and Zona's is stronger on the edge so that might argue for a more physical center against them. While Lewis might cerebrally have been the better choice against the Wethers, LJP might have been physically better. Next year, I would expect to see Lewis assume the primary backup role if we can continue his physical transition into an NFL caliber lineman.
- bsd RPA