New Orleans Saints punter catches football with midsection, kicks it 16 yards

Up until seven days ago, the New Orleans Saints had gone 46 seasons without a road playoff victory. The team's first punt in Saturday's divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks is a perfect encapsulation of why. The snap went right through the hands of punter Thomas Morstead and hit his midsection, Hans Moleman style.

(GIF via Fansided)

Luckily, Morstead was able to catch the ball after it hit his hand warmer. Less luckily, Morstead's recovery didn't continue to go so well. His subsequent punt went 16 yards. That, and a crucial third-down personal foul, helped Seattle take an early 3-0 lead in the NFC showdown. 

More special teams woes followed. After Sean Payton chose to kick a field goal in windy conditions rather than go for a fourth down, New Orelans kicker Shayne Graham missed the 45-yard attempt. Replays showed the ball was placed with the laces in, not out, like kickers prefer.

In short, the Saints be Saintin'.

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