There’s never been a more clutch kicker in the NFL than Adam Vinatieri.  Period!  (Editor’s Note: If you disagree with that premise, stop reading this post immediately)

His legend began with the Patriots when he made a 45-yarder in a blizzard to send a 2001 playoff game to overtime (which he won with another kick).  It grew when he won Super Bowl XXXVI with a field goal at the gun to beat the Rams, then did it in almost identical fashion in Super Bowl XXXVIII to defeat the Panthers.  He cemented Hall of Fame status by adding another ring with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI.

But this year, he won’t be kicking at all.  His injury at the start of the year opened the door for veteran Matt Stover, and despite Vinatieri returning late in the season, the Colts decided to play it safe with Stover in the playoffs and will do the same on Sunday.

I’m not saying it’s the wrong move.  Stover is healthy and has a ring of his own that he earned with the Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV.  But if it comes down to a last second kick for the win and the pressure is almost unbearable, wouldn’t you rather have Vinatieri out there? 

I would.

-Jake Stevens

THERE IT IS!

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