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Saints' Justin Hardee sets tone of Sunday's win with stellar special teams play

Justin Hardee proved practice makes perfect during Sunday's 30-10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The New Orleans Saints rookie defensive back recognized the Buccaneers' punt alignment at the 6:37 mark of the first quarter because of what the Saints coaching staff discussed in practice the past week.

Hardee exploited the blocking with a technique taught by linebacker Michael Mauti by bursting up the middle to block Bryan Anger's punt, then scooping up the rebound as the ball bounced off the turf and running 7 yards for a touchdown.

"I saw a clear path and I was so surprised it was so clear, but the coaches talked about it all week," Hardee said.