In Atlanta, Michael Cunningham wrote Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, "as usual, was nowhere to be found" after the Oct. 26 loss to the Lions. With the Falcons at 2-6 and on a five-game losing streak, Dimitroff "has declined all interview requests sent through team PR during the season, just as he did during last season" when the team finished 4-12. His silence means coach Mike Smith is "taking all the punches as the public face of the Falcons." Dimitroff and Smith "have always presented themselves as a partnership but, with all things going bad, Smith is solo." There are "probably no explanations" Dimitroff could offer "that would make Falcons fans feel any better." It could "backfire if he comes off as too defensive" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 11/1).
PHIN THE SHADOWS: In Miami, Armando Salguero wrote Dolphins coaches "are not offended or feel undermined" by Special Advisor Dan Marino's presence during games and practices. Two assistant coaches said that they "don't see evidence among their peers that there is resentment toward Marino." Salguero wrote Marino is "highly, extremely sensitive that his presence is perceived as meaning he's spying on the coaching staff or secretly evaluating the quarterbacks." Marino "insists he is filling an auxiliary role -- trying to help coaches, players, the front office and the business side of the organization any way he can," and he "vehemently denies his role is to fact find and report to" team Owner Stephen Ross on whether a coaching change or QB change should be made (MIAMI HERALD, 11/2).
THE HOUSE OF CARDS: In Phoenix, Kent Somers wrote the Cowboys once "were unquestionably" Arizona's team, but there has been "a perceptible shift in the allegiances of Valley football fans." There may not be "fewer Cowboys fans, but there certainly are more Cardinals fans in Arizona than ever before" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/2).
