Will Devin Hester’s return help spark the Atlanta Falcons?
The much-anticipated return of Atlanta Falcons’ kick return specialist is just around the corner and it couldn’t be coming at a better time.
Devin Hester, the deadliest returner of all time is set to come off of IR in Week 13. If Hester is activated and ready to play, he will make his season debut on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be looking to make some noise.
Hester has missed all 10 games for the Falcons thus far due to a turf toe injury that caused even more damage which forced the Falcons to place him on short-term IR. While he has been gone, nobody has talked about him whatsoever. It’s almost like he isn’t apart of the team and that’s exactly what’s going to motivate him to return with vengeance.
The Falcons’ return game has been sup-bar to say the least. Eric Weems who was once a deadly return man in his own right has fallen off of a cliff this year. He has had a couple of good returns, both of which came in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers but other than that he has been a liability returning kicks.
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Hester on the other hand is as dangerous as they come even at the age of 33. Just knowing that an opposing team will have to punt with someone of Hester’s caliber can change a game. Not only will Hester improve the Falcons’ return game, but he will also provide a much-needed spark on offense.
The Falcons offense has been terrible as of late and that’s putting it nicely. There is no identity and more confusion than anything. With Hester’s play-making ability, he will give Ryan and the offense the missing piece in what will be the most important stretch of the year.
After this Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Falcons will play four out of their last five games against the NFC South including two games against the NFC leading Carolina Panthers. The Falcons will need all hands on deck and Hester will be a very intricate piece to have down the stretch.
Sure, Hester isn’t what he used to be and has never been a huge offensive threat, but we have yet to see him work with Kyle Shanahan who is one of the most creative offensive coordinators in the NFL. Hester will be used in each and every way possible to help the Falcons succeed.