The X factor: Chicago's Devin Hester

“You’ve got to run,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “That’s the key any time you’re covering punts or kickoffs. You’ve got to be able to run and not give him a whole lot of head start.”

In the past two meetings, Hester was not a factor in the Georgia Dome. Punter Michael Koenen boomed high punts that allowed coverage units to run and surround Hester.

In the Falcons’ 22-20 victory in 2008, Hester had one fair catch. The 2008 punt-coverage team boasted an NFL record-low 43 opponent punt-return yards allowed, breaking the previous record of 53 that was held by the 1991 Buffalo Bills.

In the Falcons’ 21-14 victory in 2009, Hester made two fair catches. He had three returns for 54 yards, including a long of 33.

But playing outside at Solider Field with rookie punter Matt Bosher, the Falcons may not be able to execute their punt-coverage scheme to perfection.

“When you get down there, you have to put your pads on him, and that’s not an easy thing,” Smith said. “He’s a very elusive player.”

Hester, who starts on offense, is a more polished wide receiver.

“He’s really becoming a refined route runner,” Smith said. “He’s not just a guy that is running to take the top off of the defense. He’s not just a guy that they’re going to get the ball in his hands with gadget plays. He’s really developed into an every-down receiver.”

Bosher knows he’ll be on the spot. “It’s the NFL; what can you do?” Bosher said.

In Chicago, opposing teams used to have the “Jordan Rules” to stop basketball great Michael Jordan. Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong will have his version of the “Hester Rules.”

“I think the teams that execute best against him are the teams that do what they do,” Armstrong said. “If you’re not a directional punting team, don’t start directional punting that week. That’s where teams have gotten into trouble.”