NFL Preseason 2010: Kansas City Chiefs Shine vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17 on Friday night in the last two minutes of the game, the Chiefs have many reasons to hold their heads high, and look at this as a major improvement over the first two pre-season games.

Many players made their case for a starting position, especially on defense.

Let's take a look at who stood out and made an impact against the Eagles first string group.

Andy Studebaker

Chiefs young, athletic, second string outside linebacker, proved his point to the Kansas City coaching staff.

Studebaker was all over the field, making many plays, including two sacks.

Studebaker was originally an Eagles practice squad member, and the Chiefs thought enough of him to bring him to K.C.

He has proven to be a leader, and has learned well in his limited time backing up veteran LB Mike Vrabel.

Dexter McCluster

Dexter showed off his versatility on Friday night. He was seen lining up at slot receiver, halfback, kick returner, and even fullback on a gimmick play.

The best part, he was extremely productive as a kick returner, averaging 37 yards per return, and nearly breaking away every time he touched the ball.

Also he pounded the rock on outside toss plays coming from the halfback position, coming up with 47 yards on just 8 carries.

His agility is second to none on the Chiefs roster, and his role with the Chiefs offense should only open up even further as the season progresses.

Dwayne Bowe

The standout Wide receiver, Dwayne Bowe may finally put it all together this season.

After spending his off-season working out with Cardinals pro-bowler, Larry Fitzgerald, Dwayne Bowe has looked solid in his time with the offense.

Bowe has yet to drop a simple pass in pre-season, and although he dropped weight once again this year, he still has the bulk to run defenders over and pick up the first down.

Bowe made his first splash by catching a Matt Cassel riffle pass on a hitch route for a touchdown. 

If Bowe can display this type of production all season, the offense will thrive having a legitimate passing option.

Eric Berry

Once again, Eric Berry was found all over the field, making plays and displaying his extraordinary athleticism.

The Chiefs rookie safety led the defense in tackles, and deflected a pass on the sidelines, a play that was almost a pick-6. Something Berry has been a master of in his college career.

It's safe to say, Eric will play a major role in the production of the Chiefs pass defense.

With Flowers, Berry, and Carr, the Chiefs will have no problem causing a fit for opposing Quarterbacks.

Demorrio Williams

Demorrio Williams is fighting for a starting role in the Chiefs defense, and the show he put on against Eagles will only help his cause.

Inside linebacker, Williams,  blasted through the Eagles offensive line twice, racking up a quarterback sack. Not only that. He was very productive in the passing game as well, deflecting a pass thrown in his direction, a play that should have been an interception.

Williams has been an inconsistent member since joining the Chiefs in 2008.

Games like this need to be shown more often if he wants to overtake the starting job of either Derrick Johnson or Jovan Belcher.

Thomas Jones

The Chiefs only major off-season addition showed up well, and continued to prove that he still has "it", and will be effective down the stretch.

Jones has not lost a step since the end of the 2009 season, he found a way to gallop 11 yards to the endzone on a sweep to the right, a play that will be used frequently in the Chiefs playbook.

Although he only averaged 3 yards per carry, he didn't make any mistakes, and showed good hands in the receiving game.

Jackie Battle

Halfback Jackie Battle is determined to earn himself a spot on the Chiefs team.

He can be productive on special teams, and week in and week out, he churns out the tough yards on in the ground game.

Being at a position that is already overloaded with talent doesn't help, but at this point, I don't see how Battle could be cut.

He has led the Chiefs in rushing back-to-back. How could we cut that?

Kendrick Lewis

Finally!

A turnover is forced by Kansas City this pre-season.

Kendrick Lewis, a rookie, is fighting for that other safety position, opposite of Eric Berry.

Lewis displayed great ball tracking as he plucked a deep pass launched from Kevin Kolb, and returned it all the way back to the Philly 26 yard line.

Despite not recording a single tackle in this game, Lewis made his case, and just might get the start over Jon McGraw once the regular season comes around.

Brian Waters

Left Guard Brian Waters looked like the Waters of old in Friday's game.

He was consistent against the pass rush, and pushed his guy around in the running game.

Branden Albert was decent, but was caught making two infractions during the game.

Right Guard Ryan Lilja was also caught on a holding call.

If Waters can compete like this during the real season, the left side of the Chiefs line will continue to be the strongest side.

Barry Richardson

Right tackle Barry Richardson filled in for an injured Ryan O'Callahan and was very productive, in pass protection, and the rushing game.

He continuously mauled his defender and kept Cassel on his feet, something O'Callahan isn't good at doing.

Runningback Thomas Jones was able to find a crease, and get to the endzone thanks to Richardson's second level blocking downfield.

Richardson might have earned himself a starting spot after this effort.