As day 119 of the NFL lockout looms over us, it certainly hasn’t been easy for NFL bloggers to come up with entertaining and insightful material. This summer has been filled with dry news along with quite honesty lame rumors. We have had many spurts of excitement in hopes that this dreadful lockout would end but in reality, each glimmer of hope would turn out to be mere disappointment.

So on this 118th day we continue to pray that the powers that be END THIS LOCKOUT. The buzz around the NFL world is that we are suffering the final days before the lockout will in fact end within the next week or so. That being said, let’s take a look at a couple of things that NFL and Dolphins' fans should think about this upcoming week.

1) Lockout News: July 15th?? New important dates of the NFL lockout.
 

Originally the all important date in terms of the lockout was July 15th. July 15th was suppose to be the final day in which the NFL could salvage the pre-season, therefore not having to reduce the revenue pool between the NFLPA and NFL.

The July 15^th date most likely will not be hit. Now, don’t be too pessimistic and hear me out. Recent breaking news from Chris "Mort" Mortensen and Adam Schefter indicated that the there SHOULD be an agreement within 7 to 10 days to end the lockout. It might be hard to take that news with an open mind, however, it does seem like it is an overall consensus in the NFL world.

All that being said, these are a couple of important potential dates to look forward to:

• July 1 (July 21): Educate the clubs on the news league rules and allow voluntary training for teams and agents.

• July 5 (July 25): Sign undrafted rookies, as well as give free agents a chance to re-sign with their teams.

• July 8 (July 28): League year starts and free agency begins.

• July 13 (Aug. 2): Rosters must be set at 90 players.

• July 14 (Aug. 3): Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

• July 18 (Aug. 7): A four-day match period for teams to match restricted free-agent offer sheets.

Now don’t get TOO excited because we have been let down before, BUT this is certainly encouraging news.

Another losing season in 2010 was disappointing to say the least considering expectations were so high heading into the year. It was a season to forget, but there was still one thing fans could hang their hats on. The defense’s emergence as nearly a top five unit under Mike Nolan and the optimism surrounding that side of the ball heading into 2011 and beyond has kept morale stable for this franchise and its fan base.

Two key offseason acquisitions- Mike Nolan at defensive coordinator and Karlos Dansby at inside linebacker- were huge factors in the drastic turnaround. But it was the breakout performances of Cameron Wake and Paul Soliai that really put the Dolphins’ defense over the top.

Miami could surely use another breakout performer or two this season if they want to make the jump from mediocre to the playoffs in 2011. Here are five players that could be primed to do just that.

Koa Misi: Misi proved to be a worthy second-round investment last season, setting the edge decently as a rookie on the strong side opposite Cameron Wake. But one of the biggest things the Dolphins were missing on defense last season was another consistent pass rusher. Protections really only had to worry about Wake and could get away with sending double and triple teams his way.

That means the Dolphins will look to free agency for some help. While the market will offer a few capable options, it’s going to lack any sure fire solution. Koa Misi emerging as a legitimate threat is what the Dolphins really need. Many will argue that Misi doesn’t have much upside as a pass rusher, but with a non-stop motor like his, he could be dangerous with some refined technique. no comments

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Speculation is once again brewing that Vince Young will bring his talents to South Beach shortly after the new CBA is finalized. That speculation may be nothing more than fans being fans, attempting to tie any and every big name free agent to the Dolphins.

I don’t put much, if any, stock into reports claiming that “sources” say the Dolphins will likely sign someone. Anyone can claim anything to get attention and misinformation is far more common than the truth when it comes to free agency.

What I do know, however, is that the Dolphins will be adding a veteran quarterback to compete with Chad Henne. Their secretive front office has even gone as far as to admit that.

And when you take everything into account, Vince Young is by far the most realistic possibility that is capable of going toe-to-toe with Henne. Is he the best quarterback that is rumored to be available? Obviously not.

Carson Palmer is far more proven and could return to elite status with a change of scenery. And the numbers make it clear that Kyle Orton is also a better option. But we’re all well aware of where Palmer and Orton’s availability stands. Bengals’ owner Mike Brown is far too stubborn to trade Palmer and Orton could easily still be the guy in Denver.

Even in the event that either franchise opens up to the idea, who’s to say that GM Jeff Ireland is willing to give up a second-round pick or higher for the third consecutive year?

No, the Dolphins will realistically be forced to settle for a free agent. And if we’re honest, there is really only one soon-to-be free agent capable of being the answer in Miami. Sure the Dolphins could kick the tires of Marc Bulger, Matt Hasselbeck, or Donovan McNabb, but even if they get a serviceable season out of one it’s not going to solve anything in the long run.

One of the big question marks going into this season is who will be the Miami Dolphins' starting free safety.  There aren’t many positional battles on this roster so the biggest one probably comes at the back end of the secondary.  2009 5th-round draft pick Chris Clemons will battle it out this offseason with 2010 5th-round draft pick Reshad Jones. Both players have had their success and fair share of struggles. It will be a very competitive battle to see who lands the starting job. Both players show plenty of upside.  We had the good fortune to interview with the current Dolphins' starting free safety Chris Clemons to see what he thinks of this competition.

1)  How do you feel about going into year two of Mike Nolan’s defense? 

I feel really good about going in year two. I am much more comfortable with the scheme and it seemed that every game things were coming easier to me.

2)  Do you still feel there is room for improvement on this defense?

I feel there's always room for improvement. We can always create more turnovers giving the offense more opportunities. 

3)  What do you think the biggest hole in this defense is?

I don’t think there’s really a big hole, I think we have to be more balanced. Have to stop both the run and pass every game.

4) Do you think you have the best dreads in Miami since Ricky?

Yeah I feel like I have the best dreads since Ricky.

5)  What do you think you need to improve in your game to put you over the top?

I think I have to come down with more balls especially the deep balls. I think I have to take more chances when I have the opportunity.

6)  Do you and Reshad Jones have a good relationship or is it purely competitive?

Yeah we have a good relationship but when we step in-between the line it's all competitive. I like to compete no matter who it's against. 

7)  What’s your overall goal for 2012?

My overall goal for 2012 is to win the division then the Super Bowl. Personally, my goal is to be one of the top safeties in the league. Make more plays than I did a year ago.