Atlanta Falcons: 5 Questions for Preseason Game 3 vs. Dolphins

The Atlanta Falcons backups gave up leads in each of the team's first two preseason games, but it would be surprising to see the same happen in this week's tilt with the Miami Dolphins.

That's because the third preseason game is generally a dress rehearsal for the regular season, with starters expected to play well into the third quarter.

But it's also one of utmost importance for those trying to make the team, as the roster must be cut down from 90 players to 75 by next Monday.

That will make for a lot of developments in Friday night's game, but here are a few storylines to be closely followed in the Falcons' upcoming exhibition contest.

Will Michael Turner Be the Turner of Old?

In Dirk Koetter's new three-wide, up-tempo offense, it would seem the running game has become somewhat of an afterthought.

Julio Jones was the main focus of Week 1's game against the Baltimore Ravens, while the Falcons went with a near-exclusive air show last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

But the Falcons have said they want to reduce Turner's carries this year, not completely remove him and the ground game from their arsenal.

With this upcoming game set to best resemble how the Falcons want to attack opposing defenses this season, that means Friday night should come with more runs from the starting unit.

That likely will result in extended playing time for running back Michael Turner, who has carried the ball just eight times for 14 yards through two preseason games. Concerns have been raised about his abilities as a feature back after he appeared to be running slower than usual and going down easier upon first contact these past two weeks.

While he isn't in danger of losing his starting job, a good performance from Turner on Friday night would definitely help put an end those concerns.

Is This the Game Dominique Davis Clinches His Spot on the Team?

In the span of two weeks Davis has gone from mere camp fodder to potential backup quarterback after showing promise in the team's preseason opener and nearly leading the team to a fourth quarter comeback last week against the Bengals.

Standing in his way are current reserves Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson, both of whom have been disappointing thus far this year.

Helping their cause, however, is experience: The aging veteran Redman has been with the team the past five years, while the younger Wilson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

But that was before head coach Mike Smith announced that experience will play no part in determining the winner for the job.

That makes Davis' path to the roster promising, but to solidify it, he'll need to prove his abilities against better competition than soon-to-be roster cuts.

Fortunately for him, that could happen as soon as Friday night if the Falcons give Davis time with the second-team offense against the Dolphins.

Can Peria Jerry Keep It Up?

When it comes to the Falcons defense, there perhaps is no greater story of redemption than Peria Jerry's.

The team's first-round pick in 2009 looked to be suiting up for the last time this year after two consecutive seasons of ineptitude, but Jerry has finally begun to prove his worth after filling in for the injured Corey Peters these past two weeks.

Jerry has recorded a combined five tackles and a sack over that span, looking fully healed from a knee injury that took away nearly all of his rookie campaign.

His preseason performance is a good sign of things to come and will make for a strong rotation whenever Peters returns from his own injury. 

At this point, all Jerry has to do is keep it up. If he doesn't, backup Vance Walker and rookie Travian Robertson would be more than happy to take his place.

How Will Lamar Holmes Fare in His Debut?

When the Falcons announced that backup left tackle Will Svitek will be lost for the season this week, it appeared the spot would be all Sam Baker's for the taking.

Lamar Holmes begs to differ.

The rookie third-round pick out of Southern Mississippi will be making his debut Friday night after a broken toe kept him out of all offseason activities prior to training camp. He did not play in the team's first two preseason games.

One would think Holmes' chances of becoming a starting left tackle in his first year to be nearly impossible in most situations, but the Falcons' is a special one. The front office has given fifth-year veteran Sam Baker another chance this year to protect Matt Ryan's blindside after he was benched in favor of Svitek midway through the 2011 season.

Unfortunately, he hasn't lived up to expectations. Baker has struggled through two games, opening the door ever so slightly for Holmes to fight him for the job.

He'll get a big opportunity to make a case for it Friday night: “He’ll get a lot of reps against Miami and that will be good for him,” offensive line coach Pat Hill told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Those will be his first real live [plays.]”

It's unlikely he impresses enough to take the starting job outright, if at all. However, a strong showing by Holmes against the Dolphins nonetheless could lead to Baker's return to the bench sooner rather than later.

Is Akeem Dent Ready?

Starting middle linebacker Akeem Dent is set to return to action after a concussion suffered in the team's preseason opener sidelined this past week.

He didn't play much in that opening game, which made for a rather incomplete first impression. The second-year pro finished with two tackles and a sack, but did make some key mistakes in pass coverage, one of which resulted in a touchdown.

Now back and likely to earn his most playing time yet this preseason, the hope for Dent is not only that he is fully healed from his concussion, but that he is indeed the starting-caliber linebacker the Falcons need him to be.

Anything less may have the Falcons in trouble come September.