Carolina Panthers vs Miami Dolphins NFL Pre-Season 2011 live Game

Miami Dolphins are preparing to host the Carolina Panthers tonight in the second preseason game for both teams. After the shortened off season caused by the 136 day NFL lockout, the Dolphins are struggling to find a rhythm - especially after some of the poor performances in last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

As the Dolphins take the field at Sun Life Stadium tonight, they are going to be looking to take the next step in development before the 2011 season.

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As Sparano explained during his media availability earlier this week, "Well, I told the team today is that [the starters] all need to be ready to play until I’m tired of them playing, so I don’t know what that is, I don’t have a number yet so we’ll see where we go, but I think we will see some guys in there deep into the second quarter and maybe into the half."

Every repetition at this point is critical, and the starters, even if they are on the field "deep into the second quarter," need the chance to perform. Miami needs to take the next step, build a rhythm, and gain the momentum necessary to perform this season.

"Time is not a friend right now," Sparano said. "You've got to get your team ready to play."

The Dolphins are also planning on putting the entire set of offensive weapons on the field - Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush are expected to make their 2011 debut. While neither should be on the field the entire time with the starters, their presence signifies the importance of the game.

The Miami Herald's Jeff Darlington anticipates even more from the defense.