"He isnt big enough." "He cant stay healthy." "He doesnt have what it takes to make it in the next level."
Thats what the critics have been saying about Vernard Bruce since he declared for the 2014 NFL Draft. He excelled in college breaking 3 records while he was at Nebraska. Coming up in a smalltown in Georgia, Bruce has heard critics all his life. A lot of analysts had him pegged to go in the top 5 of this years draft. So he made the trip to NYC with his mother and sister at his side. As he waited and waited, he listened to names being called, and dreams being fulfilled. But he didnt hear his name. As the first day came to a close, Bruce still wasnt drafted. He decided to fly home to watch the rest from his home in Georgia. Hearing 5 other RBs go before him he admitted it was gut wrenching. "I know im better than those guys. I had knots in my stomach all week."
Finally in the third round he heard his name being announced by a fan who had won the chance to announce the Miami Dolphins draft pick. "At that point all the weight of the world had fell off of me. I knew as soon as Miami selected me, I was going to go to work. I know that 31 other teams are going to pay for not picking me."
Well two games into the pre-season, Bruce has rushed for over 200 yards and 2 TDs to boot. He knows its an uphill climb. He knows there are two other young RBs who want that starting job. But he isnt afraid, and he is ready for the challenge. Daniel Thomas has been announced the week 1 starter, but Coach Mumford has made it clear that the job is up in the air for anyone to take over.
2013 started off with high hopes, and bigger amibitions. They signed Mike Wallace to a huge contract to give Tannehill the weapon he needed to grow. They traded up in the draft to get their pass rusher of the future, to star along side of Cameron Wake. They also signed Dustin Keller to a huge contract as well.
Things didnt end up the way management, coaching staff, nor the fans had envisioned it. It was a mess from the get-go. After starting the season 3-0, they ended up losing the next 4. Week 12 brought them the change they needed. They fired their coach and hired Brian Mumford. The former defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, Mumford brought alot of toughness needed in Miami. There were rumblings of players getting away with skipping practices, missing mandatory team meetings, among other things. This led GM Jeff Ireland make the choice to fire the coach.
Week 14 didnt start off well for the new coach. Although, after getting pumeled 42-10 by the divisional rival Jets, coach Mumford still seemed optimistic about his team. "This is a change for the guys. We all had one week to get things together. We're not going to make a 180 and turn things around this fast. We need time together to gel, and get to know each other. Hell, I didnt even move stuff in my office before the game began", Mumford said at a press conference.
But after week 14 you could definitely see a change in the entire team. It was like they finally knew the reason Mumford was hired. They were finally buying what he was selling. They hosted the Steelers in week 15 and trounced them 31-10. Finally Mumford was coaching up this defense. After losing the next game to the Patriots the Dolphins won their last two games to end out the year 7-9. "Its definitely not the way the fans wanted our season to end. But let it be known that 2014 will bring good things. We will go to the playoffs. Mark my words," Mumford stressed.
Even after the bold words, one has to wonder what 2014 brings to Miami. Will we see the change that Coach Mumford has promised? Or once again will we see the Miami Dolphins of old, show up. The Dolphins who have failed to make the playoffs since 2008. I guess we will see.