DAVIE — Dolphins' strong safety Yeremiah Bell hasn't lost a step or his nose for the ball this season.
"It's the same guy," defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni said.
But Bell admits he hasn't been the playmaker of a season ago, when he made a solid case for a spot in the Pro Bowl and earned a lucrative contract extension.
Bell's 120 tackles were more than any of the six safeties selected for the game; his 10 passes defensed were more than three Pro Bowl safeties; and only one had more than Bell's three forced fumbles.
This season, Bell has 34 tackles for the NFL's third-ranked run defense, but he only has one pass break-up - in Week 1 - and no game-changing plays for the 2-3 Dolphins.
"I know I haven't made as many plays as I did last year," he said. "But it's early. We have a long way to go. Those plays will come."
Sunday would be a good time when 5-0 New Orleans and the NFL's highest scoring offense visit Miami.
The Saints and top-ranked quarterback Drew Brees will test a Dolphins' defense that is allowing more than 14 yards a completion.
New Orleans also boasts the NFL's fourth-ranked running game.
It's an offense that will spread out defenses and require a big game from a player like Bell, who excels in run support and has the best range on Miami's defense.