Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 Things to Watch Out For

Tomorrow night, the Atlanta Falcons will go to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. In this matchup of the reigning AFC champs versus the NFC team with the best record last season, there will be many different factors on both sides that each team's fans will want to watch for.

While those factors are numerous, especially at these early stages of the preseason, here are the seven biggest factors you should watch for.

Atlanta's Receiving Corps

The biggest aspect of the Falcons' receiving corps that fans will be looking at will be the play of Julio Jones. Atlanta traded way up to get the top-tier rookie receiver, and it looks to have paid off.

Jones has had four receptions for 73 yards so far this preseason, and if he continues to get comfortable, he will provide good balance for Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White.

By the way, Gonzalez and White are still very, very good, which is why this is Atlanta's strongest position group by far.

Pittsburgh's Rushing Game

The Steelers are a franchise built on defense. With that strong defense, a solid running game is a must. Rashard Mendenhall has provided that the last couple of seasons, and he's a lock to continue starting this season.

Jonathan Dwyer is also looking like a very capable backup.

While Pittsburgh should be fine here, this is an area important area and, as a result, one to keep an eye on.

Pittsburgh's Cornerbacks

The Steelers' corners are the weakest part of their defense, which basically means that they would be great on any other squad.

The Steelers have a mean front seven and great safeties in Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark.

The Steelers defense is awesome all around, but if you want to nit-pick, this is where you'd do it.

Atlanta's Defensive Front

Atlanta's defense, while decent, is not anywhere near to the level of their offense.

Their secondary is dependable, but it will be their defensive front that makes the different. This game will be a good measuring stick to see if they are able to generate quarterback pressure and stop a very strong rushing game.

Pittsburgh has both an elite quarterback and very good rushing game. Let's see if Atlanta can stop one or both.

The Quarterback Battle

Though neither of these guys will play much, it is always interesting to compare quarterbacks—especially these two.

You have one in Roethlisberger, who is a proven veteran field general with two Super Bowl rings, and one in Ryan, who is still somewhat of an up-and-comer proving he belongs with the big boys.

It will be interesting to see who looks more impressive.

Atlanta's 3rd Down Efficiency

One thing to watch for with Atlanta is their third-down efficiency. They went just 3-for-12 on third downs last week against Jacksonville.

Don't get me wrong, Jacksonville is a good team. But the Steelers defense will put them to shame, and it will put Atlanta to shame if they don't bring their A-game.

With weapons like Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, Matt Ryan and Roddy White, the Falcons are a team that should be able to convert a high percentage of third downs.

Atlanta's Rushing Game

Michael Turner has been a really solid back for Atlanta for a few years now. His solid production has given Matt Ryan the security blanket necessary to develop into an elite quarterback.

Despite having the best receiving corps now in football, Atlanta still must continue to rush the ball. They had less than 100 yards rushing as a team against Jacksonville, which isn't good.

It is just the preseason, so I'm sure those numbers will go up when the regular season arrives. Falcons fans better hope so.

Turnover Battle

The turnover battle will also be interesting to watch.

Pittsburgh forced five turnovers last week against Philly, while Atlanta forced just one against Jacksonville. Considering the differing caliber of those two opponents, it's clear which team is better at getting takeaways.

Watch to see if Atlanta can take away the ball from one of the best ball-security teams in the league, and watch to see how many times Pittsburgh does it to them.