Dolphins vs. Falcons: 5 Things to Watch During NFL Preseason Week 1 Matchup

Finally, after a 130-day lockout and about two weeks of full training camp, real football is back.

For the Miami Dolphins, they'll take the field for the first time tonight against the Super Bowl contending and defending NFC South champions, the Atlanta Falcons. 

Normally I'd talk about how the Dolphins hope to keep it close and somehow pull out a victory in Atlanta, however it's the preseason, so the final score of the game is of no consequence.

However, there is still a lot to look for, so here's five things that all Dolphins fans should look upon as a barometer for where the Miami Dolphins will be headed in 2011.

The Battle for Starting Free Safety: Chris Clemons vs. Reshad Jones

Clemons is the third-year player out of Clemson who rarely makes mistakes and has been good but not spectacular.

Reshad Jones is the second-year player out of Georgia who has impressed many during training camp and looks like a true threat to Clemons' starting spot. 

If there is a weakness on defense, it is at this position. By weakness I mean, while the defense as a whole is anywhere between an A+ and an A-, the free safety spot next to Yeremiah Bell is a B+.

The Dolphins are looking for more big plays from the secondary, and while Vontae Davis and Sean Smith look to provide some at cornerback, the winner of the free safety battle will be the one most consistent at not only being a ball-hawk, but also one who can consistently come up with the big plays.

Running Backs: Who's the No. 1 Guy?

First off, let's take Reggie Bush out of this equation. He's going to be used in Miami the way Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Daboll used Josh Cribbs up in Cleveland last season.

But Daboll needs his Miami version of Peyton Hillis—someone who can carry the load.

While it is Daniel Thomas' job to lose, both Kory Sheets and Lex Hilliard have impressed many in training camp when it comes to running in between the tackles. 

While they might not get the chance to become the Dolphins' No. 1 option, they will be battling it out for playing time. 

And if they play well against Atlanta tonight (and the rest of the season), than they will get it.

How (or If) There Will Be Improvements in Special Teams

Just to be clear, Dan Carpenter and Brandon Fields (the two pictured) are not the problem for the Dolphins special teams, It's the rest of the unit that was a problem last year—leading to blocked punts, bad coverage and kickoff returns for touchdowns.

It's one thing to work on special teams in camp, but during live action is where you'll really see if it's improved or not. 

First let's look at kickoff and punt returns. Clyde Gates should handle both and not Davone Bess. End of story. We may also see the Dolphins give some shots at returning to Phillip Livas, the undrafted rookie out of Louisiana Tech who's really fast despite his diminutive size. 

However, when it comes to the coverage or blocking, how much has changed in schemes? Fields and Carpenter are two of the best at their positions in the NFL, but will the line be able to hold up well enough for these two to do their jobs? 

How Will the Receivers Pan out for Miami?

I have to agree with Bleacher Report correspondent Mark Lesko when he says this in a similar article, "I was pretty surprised when head coach Tony Sparano said that Davone Bess and Brian Hartline are battling for the No. 2 WR position."

I was too, well, somewhat—only in the sense that Bess is a slot receiver while Hartline seems more of a NO. 2 guy.

Bess however is one of the more sure-handed receivers in the league, which will help a young fledgling quarterback like Chad Henne when he's on the field.

But that's not all. Also factor in Roberto Wallace, who's had a good training camp thus far, and also look for Marlon Moore to get some snaps as well for the chance to become a No. 4 or No. 5.

Then we go back to the previously mentioned Clyde Gates.

Gates' great speed would be a big help as far as generating big plays, but so far he's shown that he needs some work as far as catching the ball.

But the good news with him is his hands are still nowhere near as bad as Ted Ginn Jr. (and we didn't have to draft him in the first round either).

How Will Miami Plug Some of the Holes at Offensive Line?

Offensive line is the biggest concern for the Dolphins in 2011.

Yes, bigger than whether Henne has it or not, bigger than who our running back is going to be, bigger than anything on the team.

Right now it's a revolving door. The way its' looking, only Jake Long (who will miss Friday's game and likely the entire preseason) and Vernon Carey are guaranteed their spots as starters.

But who plays alongside them? Does Mike Pouncey start off as their center or will Joe Berger start off in that position? 

What about newly signed tackle Ray Willis? Is he the answer at right tackle—or does the job remain with Marc Colombo? What about Lydon Murtha who's been taking snaps with the first team at left tackle—does that earn him the starting spot at right tackle or does he remain as Long's backup on the left side?

And is this possibly the end for John Jerry?

There are too many crucial questions along the O-line that need answers if this team wants to do anything in 2011. That's the biggest thing to look for Friday night in Atlanta.