FILE- In this Oct. 2, 2011, file photo, New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead follows through on a punt during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. While the Saints have struggled, Morstead has quietly had an extraordinary season. The former SMU standout is on pace to set an NFL record for net average in a season. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) (The Associated Press)
METAIRIE, La. – Saints punter and kickoff specialist Thomas Morstead prepared for the 2012 season as if it would be his audition for a new contract.
When he unexpectedly received a lucrative extension as training camp began, the pressure was off in some respects. That, however, didn't change Morstead's approach, and he now finds himself poised to set NFL records.
Morstead leads the NFL with a net punting average of 44.7 yards, and might have an extra game to play in Hawaii.
With fan voting now closed for the Pro Bowl, Morstead leads all NFC punters with 104,563 votes, making him a front-runner to get the nod for the NFL's all-star game, depending on how voting by coaches and players turns out.
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