Buccaneers vs. Chiefs: How Long Will Todd Haley Keep the Starters on the Field?

Week 1 of the NFL preseason brings a lot of excitement to football fans because they get to see their team play for the first time in eight months. However, the preseason does get tedious for fans as players we have never heard of receive more action so coaches can evaluate them.

Last night on ESPN, the San Diego Chargers pulled Philip Rivers out of the game after he led his team to a successful drive, finishing off with a touchdown pass to Mike Tolbert.

After the successful first drive, Chargers head coach Norv Turner decided to place backup quarterback Billy Volek under center for the remainder of the first half.

As long as the starters remain on the field, most fans will keep their eyes glued to these exhibition games. How long should Chiefs fans expect to see their starters in tonight’s game?

In Week 1 of the 2010 preseason at Atlanta, Matt Cassel stayed in the game until the middle of the second quarter, in which Todd Haley brought in backup quarterback Brodie Croyle to play under center.

The Chiefs collectively struggled in that game and were unable to get points on the scoreboard until Ryan Succop kicked a field goal to end the first half. Would Cassel have been taken out earlier if he and the Chiefs put together a successful scoring drive?

The following week at Tampa Bay, Cassel connected with Jeremy Horne in the end zone on their second offensive drive of the game. Haley decided to keep Cassel and the rest of the starters in the game for the entire first half.

In Week 3 of the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cassel and Company stayed in the game for three full quarters. Haley put in the third quarterback, Tyler Palko, for their first offensive drive of the fourth quarter.

In the final game of the preseason, most starters make a brief appearance or don’t play at all. To no one’s surprise, Haley kept Cassel and the rest of the starters active until the middle of the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers.

Tonight, we should expect Haley to keep Cassel and the rest of the starters on the field going into the second quarter of tonight’s game against Tampa Bay.

Although the Chiefs haven't had a lot of time to practice in pads, many may believe that Haley will keep the starters on the field for a couple of drives. However, this would be a good chance to get the players back. Haley's preseason management could be similar to last years.

Haley wants a dynamic offense this season and he believes that keeping his starters on the field will lead his team to success.