In Miami, Adam Beasley writes new Dolphins coach Brian Flores "now owns the keys to the Dolphins' kingdom because he has gravitas, a long-term stability" that Owner Stephen Ross "believes is essential for running any organization -- particularly one about to go through a rebuild" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/5). Also in Miami, Greg Cote in a front-page piece writes the "once-proud franchise has been peddling false hope to its starving fans for most of the past 20 years in a sad parade of screwy decisions, bad hires, blunders and, mostly, irrelevant mediocrity." However, "at last, the gang that couldn't shoot straight finally has, it seems" by hiring Flores (MIAMI HERALD, 2/5).
FAN APPRECIATION: In Buffalo, Jay Skurski notes Bills GM Brandon Beane sent a letter to season-ticket holders this week that "outlines the team's plans for the offseason and thanked fans for their 'loyal dedication' to the franchise." Beane's letter "reiterated many of the talking points that he has referenced in his two years on the job." Beane in the letter said that the team's salary cap situation is "much improved from where it has been the past two years, which will allow the Bills to be players in free agency." However, Beane cautioned that the team "will be 'calculated' with those free agent moves" (BUFFALO NEWS, 2/5).
FAMILY TIES: THE ATHLETIC's Nicki Jhabvala noted for the "first time since the Broncos ownership dispute became a public and legal matter," Owner Pat Bowlen's daughters Beth Bowlen-Wallace and Brittany Bowlen "held court together" this weekend as their father was voted into the Pro Football HOF. The two appeared "amicable and as if the contentious battle for controlling ownership was merely an afterthought." The Bowlen family dynamic, from the outside, has "seemingly been torn at the seam" as Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis "praises Brittany but not Beth, and the legal back-and-forth plays out." However, the two have "never spoken ill of each other," and Friday they acted as if their bond had "hardly been touched by the outside noise" (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/1).
