On The Beat: 5 questions with Dolphins writer Armando Salguero

With the return of a new season, we’re bringing back our weekly “5 questions…” feature where we check in with a writer who covers the Patriots’ next opponent. For Miami, we talk with Dolphins’ beat writer Armando Salguero, who covers the team for The Miami Herald. Check him out on Twitter here.

1. What sort of impact have the two ex-Patriots — Danny Amendola and Brandon Bolden — had in Miami, both on and off the field?



Amendola is the Dolphins' leading receiver. So that is an obvious contribution. But, really, it goes beyond what is obvious with these two. Bolden, for example, played in the opener days after he signed. In that game, he had a block that sprung Jakeem Grant for a kickoff return touchdown. Amendola in that game kept offensive players focused on their tasks as the team had to wait nearly four hours during a lightning delay. I'm not saying this, but the players said this. Amendola has also brought a high standard to practice that other players are trying to match. All that is important to success.

2. How important have trick plays been for the Dolphins on the way to 3-0?

I wouldn't say the Dolphins are 3-0 because of trick plays. But I would say the trick plays have added a layer that makes the Dolphins seem more explosive on offense. Consider that last week the game was trudging along and suddenly Albert Wilson, a receiver, throws a 52-yard touchdown. Minutes later, he takes a modified jet sweep and goes 74 yards for another touchdown. That's explosive. Obviously, all that involves speed and execution and some guts in calling the plays. But it also messes with opponents' heads -- and I assume their preparation time.

3. Give me the name of one Miami player who is an under-the-radar type who might play a big role Sunday.

Xavien Howard is under the radar, although I don't know if he's under the radar to the Patriots and Tom Brady. Howard had two interceptions in the game at Miami last year. He's picked off seven passes in the past eight games. Look, the Dolphins don't know if Josh Gordon is going to play or not. But if he does, the Dolphins think they have a player who can handle some of the problems Gordon could create.

4. If I’m the Patriots, where are the Dolphins most vulnerable — on either side of the ball?

It's pretty obvious the Dolphins have young linebackers outside of Kiko Alonso. Jerome Baker is a rookie and Raekwon McMillan is a second-year player who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. So they are quite inexperienced and that sometimes has shown up in coverage. On offense, the weakness is not quite so apparent. But Bill Belichick is smart. He'll figure it out.

5. The Dolphins win Sunday if….

…the Patriots play as they have the past couple of weeks. Those Patriots performances were putrid.