Chiefs vs Bucs: 10 Key Chiefs Players Who Should Get More Playing Time Tonight

Last Friday against Tampa Bay, Todd Haley was very conservative and got his key players and projected starters off of the field early in the game. The Chiefs did not have any players listed as inactive last week. However, Haley decided to keep 15 of his players on the sidelines throughout the entire game.

Although teams don’t want to lose their significant players to injury in the preseason, it is still important for players get their feet wet.

The Chiefs starting quarterback did not have the opportunity to attempt a pass while their leading rusher did not touch the ball last week in the preseason opener.

Earlier this week, Haley told the media in a press conference that he will go into Week 2 of the preseason with the same approach he had in Week 1. Does that mean the projected 22 starters will receive limited action?

It is possible that Haley pulled his key players out early because of the limited time they have practiced in pads prior to the first preseason game.

Last week, the Chiefs backups, who received a majority of the playing time, did not play very well as the Chiefs could not put up a point on the scoreboard. Despite the fact that these are preseason games, remaining scoreless, even in games like this, can get very concerning.

This week at Baltimore, Haley should let some of his players receive more action on the field and allow them to bounce back or make adjustments so can get prepared for the Buffalo Bills on September 11th.

Will Haley allow some of his players get more playing time than they did last week? Here are 10 key players Haley should play for a couple of drives.

QB Matt Cassel

In the final two games against the Raiders and the Ravens last season, Matt Cassel struggled in finding a receiver in the end zone and threw five interceptions combined. Last week, Cassel did not throw a single pass against the Buccaneers.

It is important that the Chiefs allow Cassel to work the offense and let him sling some passes to his new targets that Scott Pioli sought and recruited. While Cassel doesn't mind the critiques, it is understandable as to why many believe he may not repeat his performance in 2011 and needs to get some practice before the season opener.

RB Jamaal Charles

Jamaal Charles was seen moving in motion as a wide receiver for one play, but other than that, he watched the game from the sidelines last week.

Many would agree that Charles does not have a lot to prove, which is true. However, as one of the leaders of this football team, the Chiefs need to allow Charles to get back on the field and try to help the Chiefs get their first score of the preseason.

RB/WR/KR Dexter McCluster

Last week, Dexter McCluster carried the ball twice for the Chiefs in the limited playing time he received.

McCluster ran the ball twice for six yards. One of his runs resulted in a loss of yards while he managed to pick up eight yards and fell short of a first down on the other.

The Chiefs are trying to turn McCluster into a third down back and need to give him the same role tonight against the Ravens.

McCluster can also be known as an offensive weapon. It is possible that the Chiefs give him the ball more under different circumstances this week.

FB Le’Ron McClain

For Le’Ron McClain and a couple of other players, this will be a Raven homecoming. But more importantly, McClain has yet to make his debut with the Chiefs on the field while he was one of 15 active players who did not play last week.

The Chiefs know they have a special player in McClain, but need to put him on the field to get acclimated with the Chiefs running game. McClain knows that he will be blocking for a running back who is different than Ray Rice.

WR Dwayne Bowe

Last year was the career turnaround that Dwayne Bowe really needed, and he must carry that over to this season.

Throughout his career, Bowe struggled limiting his drops until the middle of last season where he caught a touchdown in seven consecutive games.

In the postseason loss to Baltimore, Bowe’s great season came to an end in ugly fashion after Cassel did not target Bowe once in that game. Perhaps Cassel and Bowe should try and work together a little bit while they can before the real games kickoff.

WR Steve Breaston

While Bowe did have a remarkable turnaround season in 2010, the Chiefs need someone else to step up and help him carry the load.

The Chiefs brought in Steve Breaston, who worked with Haley for two different franchises before coming to Kansas City. Breaston knows what is expected out of him and is familiar with Haley’s coaching.

Breaston did not play last week against the Buccaneers. He has yet to make his debut as a Chief.

RG Jon Asamoah

Jon Asamoah received some playing time last week at the right guard spot. However, he was pulled off the field early like most of the players.

This week, Asamoah should get more playing time in order for the Chiefs to fairly evaluate him and know what they have going into the regular season opener against Buffalo.

DE Glenn Dorsey

Glenn Dorsey is still trying to get familiar with the 3-4 defensive end position and is making little progress.

It would be nice for Dorsey to play in the next three games to get more comfortable with the position going into the 2011 season. He was taken with the fifth pick in 2008, so it would be pleasant to see him have a monster season and become one of the better defensive ends in the league.

NT Kelly Gregg

With Kelly Gregg as the only notable nose tackle on the team, the Chiefs need to play him in tonight’s preseason game so they can evaluate him

Like McClain and Breaston, Gregg is another newcomer who did not play with the Chiefs last week.

ILB Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson’s season was very similar to Bowe’s. Both players walked into last season with a lot of struggles and had the best season of their careers.

Johnson is now a key leader on this defense and is being considered as one of the better linebackers in the league.

For Johnson, he needs some playing time in these preseason games and continue to play at a high level for Kansas City.