Kansas City Chiefs: 3 Players Who Could Regress in 2012

For every time that a player or team improves in the NFL, there's also a story where someone regresses as well.

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs regressed as a team when they went just 7-9 and finished third in the AFC West. One of the main reasons for KC's poor play was due to the regression of some of their players, including starting QB Matt Cassel.

Here are three Chiefs we could see regress in 2012.

Ryan Lilja, LG

Starting left guard Ryan Lilja is not only the weakest link on this current Chiefs offensive line but at 29, he's also the oldest as well.

His age might be why his play has already started to deteriorate in his two seasons with Kansas City. It's very possible that Lilja could regress even more in 2012, even though the Chiefs need him to hold down the fort at left guard.

If he struggles even more this year, look for the Chiefs to replace him with rookie Jeff Allen, who was one of the top rated guards in this year's draft class.

Dexter McCluster, WR

Believe it or not, Dexter McCluster quietly put together a decent season for the Chiefs in 2011.

Many will remember how DMC failed to establish himself as a dominant running back last season, but he ended up gaining more than 850 yards from scrimmage on the year for this KC offense.

That being said, the former Ole Miss star has been switched back to wide receiver this offseason, which is one of the deepest positions on the current roster right now.

Moving McCluster back to wideout could cause him to regress as a player this year, considering how many times this team has already moved him around to this point.

Kendrick Lewis, S

Dexter McCluster's former college roommate had a big year for KC last season.

In a year where he had to step up at safety after a season-ending injury to Pro Bowler Eric Berry, Lewis answered the call with 60 tackles, 10 pass deflections and three interceptions while starting all 16 games in KC's defensive backfield.

However, Lewis has offseason shoulder surgery and is still on the shelf as OTAs are now underway.

Although it's possible that he could continue to improve in his third season in the league, don't be surprised if he regresses some this year, considering that he might be dealing with some shoulder issues and could be getting the ball thrown more his way during the year with Berry now back in the mix.