Saints consider Devin Hester as dangerous as ever

Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester hasn't aged well in the eyes of his opponents. That's because he seemingly hasn't aged at all

One of the most explosive special teams weapons in the league, the 30-year-old eight-year veteran is second in the NFL in kick returns going into Week 5, averaging 32.4 yards per return with a long of 80 yards.

"He's arguably the most decorated return man in our league's history," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "That's just a fact. ... We've been on the wrong end of a punt return (in 2007). He's outstanding."

Payton pointed to the fact Hester plays in Soldier Field, which he said doesn't allow opposing kickers any easy route to a touchback. So it opens up more chances for Hester. Payton said the coverage units have to be disciplined in their lanes and assignments.

Saints kickoff man and punter Thomas Morstead did his own research on Hester and discovered Hester has scored 17 times on returns during his career. So Morstead said it's "very crucial" for him to be pinpoint in both aspects.

"Every returner is scary, but when you play outdoors and it's real windy, that puts another element that I can't control," said Morstead, who also dubbed Hester the best returner of all time. "So I could hit every ball exactly how I want, and the wind could do something that I don't want it to do."


(nola.com)