Vinatieri in 2005 - Gostkowski In 2006

[PATRIOT64]

Adam Vinatieri For New England In 2005 Regular Season - 21 out of 26 Made

Steven Gostkowski For New England In 2006 Regular Season - 20 out of 26 Made

Can't get closer than that - I think we did O.K. now with Gostkowski and Adam will have to wait till the AFC Championship at the dome to try and outduel Steven - (Wishful thinking right now)

 

[BelichickFan]

And if, that's IF, Gotti misses one next week let's remember Vinatieri missed one against Denver in the playoffs last year - he didn't make every playoff kick, you know

 

[JoeSixPat]

Adam Vinatieri For New England In 2005 Regular Season - 21 out of 26 Made

Steven Gostkowski For New England In 2006 Regular Season - 20 out of 26 Made

Can't get closer than that - I think we did O.K. now with Gostkowski and Adam will have to wait till the AFC Championship at the dome to try and outduel Steven - (Wishful thinking right now)

I don't want to jinx us as he's not had to make a playoff game winning kick yet, but I really couldn't be more pleased with Gostowski.

That being said, I'll have to check the stats but I feel like the Patriots have gone for it on 4th down more this season to keep the ball moving rather than giving Gostowski a long, potentially confidence breaking kick.

But that's not to say Gostowski can't make the long kicks - he made a 52 yarder this season - the first 50+ yarder in Gillette History if I'm correct. Which indicates that BB didn't have confidence in the strength of AV's leg going back to 2002.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

I've given my props to Gost before but yesterday was an important "rite-of-passage" game for him,which he handled beautifully. One playoff game under his belt. Though nothing may match the drama and conditions of the Snow Bowl Kick,I think Gost (or Gotti-lol I like that one!) will eventually fill AV's very big shoes quite well.
Good point about the Pats going for it rather than relying on the kick but I'm not sure that wasn't part of their plan anyway, making the benefit to Gost just icing on the cake. I think overall it's better football to go for it (jmo) and we've got the weapons to do it,however the day will come when it's all on Gost. I think he'll be ready.

 

[shmessy]

Add in the superior kickoffs, and one can say he's been an upgrade (so far).

Obviously, AV rightfully made his HOF rep in playoff pressure, but please don't forget those famous kicks happened once he had at least 5 years in the league. The Ghost is still a rook.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

Add in the superior kickoffs, and one can say he's been an upgrade (so far).

Obviously, AV rightfully made his HOF rep in playoff pressure, but please don't forget those famous kicks happened once he had at least 5 years in the league. The Ghost is still a rook.

The kickoffs,yesyes,another BIG plus. What's interesting and exciting to me is that the Pats had a grasp on this all along and called the kicker change perfectly.They seem to be becoming a better overall football team because of it.

 

[PatsFaninAZ]

Gost made the kicks he was supposed to make yesterday. Our play calling still reflects a coach who doesn't want his kicker attempting one longer than 40 yards or so if he doesn't have to. Maybe that's just sound strategy, no matter who your kicker is -- Vinatieri's numbers suggests BB had the same philosophy last year.

We had 3d and 19 from the 27 with a 4 point lead. The play called looked like it was designed entirely to get a little closer, and not event think about taking a shot at the end zone. Worked out fine, but that's what's been going on all year with Gost.

Ultimately, we're probably going to need to make a tough 48 yarder on the road when we need the points and can't afford to give up the field position by missing. The kind Akers made last night. That's the one I want to see Gost kick.

There's still a little too much movement in his ball for my taste, but it works for him.