Kansas City Chiefs vs. St. Louis Rams: 7 Key Players to Watch

Todd Haley and Scott Pioli of the Kansas City Chiefs haven't been showing any of their cards so far this preseason. The first-stringers barely saw action against the Bucs. In the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, the first-string was out for almost a quarter-and-a-half, though Jamaal Charles didn't see any work. 

The third preseason game tends to be much more meaningful. This week we'll find out who the starters for Week 1 are likely to be. The battles on the field in the late game will determine who will stay and who will be cut.  

The St. Louis Rams and Chiefs play each other every preseason for the Governer's Cup. It may be a silly tradition, but Missourians will be smack-talking all week over the game. The Chiefs beat the Rams in St. Louis last year 27-13, so the Rams will have some motivation. 

Dexter McCluster

One of the bright spots during the second preseason game against the Ravens was Dexter McCluster. 

McCluster has been practicing with the running backs for much of training camp. He lined up at running back for the vast majority of the game and had seven touches for 71 yards—three of which were passes for 47 yards on top of four carries for 24 yards.

McCluster 's versatility didn't end there. He picked up the blitz for Matt Cassel all night long, and did so quite well for a 5'8", 170-pound guy. He could use some work, as he blew one block badly, but he staved off rushers long enough to give Cassel time.

The Chiefs have a cluttered backfield with Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Le'Ron McClain and McCluster. The Chiefs appear to have big plans for him though, and a second straight performance like the one against Baltimore could see him getting as much time as Thomas Jones this season.  

Verran Tucker and Other Wide Receivers

Verran Tucker has seen some limited work in Kansas City. 

The Chiefs have been bringing in receivers left and right, from Steve Breaston to Keary Colbert and Chris Mano. There's not enough room on the roster for everyone—someone is going to get cut. Jerheme Urban is also coming back from a season-ending injury in 2010 and is expected to start. Wideout/special teams ace Terrance Copper still remains. 

The role of the fourth receiver (outside of utility man Dexter McCluster) will likely come down to this game. Tucker would have to be considered the favorite so far, after his nice touchdown catch last year and a strong preseason game last week (three catches, 68 yards). 

The Chiefs have been expediting their evaluations, and Friday's performance will determine which wideouts stick around and which are shown the door.  

Justin Houston

Houston, one of the Chiefs third-round picks this year, has been showing why many considered him to be a first-round pick in the draft.  

Andy Studebaker is considered a lock as starting outside linebacker opposite of Tamba Hali, but that doesn't mean he won't be pressed for time. 

Houston has shown remarkable pass-rushing skills and surprising speed to keep up in coverage, considering he weighs 270 pounds. Last week against the Ravens, he had three tackles, two of which were sacks, and two more quarterback hits. 

Watch for Houston to turn in another stellar performance and start pushing out rumors that Studebaker and him will be splitting time almost 50-50. 

Quinten Lawrence

Lawrence is an interesting project. He was originally a wide receiver on the practice squad, but Chiefs personnel moved him to defensive back in training camp this year. The results have been good. 

Lawrence has impressed in training camp, often being in the middle of all the action and grabbing a couple of stray Ricky Stanzi and Tyler Palko passes. He seems like he might have a knack for it, and his former position surely gives him an edge there. 

Fourth-round cornerback Jalil Brown and Lawrence will likely compete for time as an extra defensive back in zone packages, along with the likes of Jon McGraw and Donald Washington. 

Brown was burned for a touchdown last week when he was covering Lee Evans, a mistake many young fourth-round cornerbacks could make.

Quinten Lawrence could force his way into playing time with a strong performance over the rest of the Chiefs extra defensive backs. 

Tyson Jackson

Everyone in Kansas City has been keeping a close eye on Jackson, the third overall pick in the 2009 draft, ever since he arrived.

Especially since he was very close to bust territory the last two years. 

In fairness to Jackson, he had a much improved sophomore season, after returning from injury. Jackson is expected to be the starting left defensive end, a stalwart against the run with the ability to shed blockers and make plays. 

Facing the Rams this weekend, he'll have his work cut out for him. Steven Jackson will be playing and will give Tyson Jackson a handful. He'll have to compete against the nasty demeanor of newly acquired right tackle/guard Tyson Clabo. It will be a good test for the Chiefs' former first-rounder. If he doesn't perform well, Allen Bailey will start pushing him for time and possibly his starting position.  

Tyler Palko and Ricky Stanzi

The battle for the Chiefs backup quarterback was looking like it might end up in the Chiefs calling a veteran backup. 

That changed after Palko put Stanzi on notice last week. 

Palko led a very nice drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Terrance Copper—the Chiefs only touchdown of the preseason. Stanzi has been mediocre in his outings, but has been having a solid camp. 

Either one of them could still win the job this week. Chiefs fans should be watching closely, they know what it's like to have their starter out for one week and have to put faith in Brodie Croyle. Everyone wants to see a guy who could come in and win the Chiefs a game or two, if needed. 

It would be interesting if Palko put on a solid performance and Stanzi had a really nice outing. It would be a very good sign of things to come, and it would only mean good things for the Chiefs backup situation.  

Jon Asamoah and the Chiefs Pass Protection

Asamoah has some big shoes to fill, after the Chiefs cut long-time leader and five-time Pro Bowler Brian Waters. 

He was handed the starting job in training camp after a very solid rookie season. However, the Chiefs need him to step up in a big way this year if the running game and pass protection are to be adequate. 

Branden Albert will be manning the left side with him. They will need to be at the top of their game to handle Chris Long, a terrific pass-rusher and quarterback headache. 

The Rams have a solid pass rush that is generated by both their defensive ends. So far this preseason, the offensive line has been giving up way too much pressure. The offensive line is currently the Chiefs biggest concern, and it could be a dream killer. This is as close as it gets to the regular season, and everyone of them will need to step up.