I love the leg strength he's brought, especially on kickoffs. Field position has been a big advantage for the Pats in recent years. However, I have yet to see him make a last second playoff 40+ yarder. But from all I've seen of him, I have every confidence he'd make it. And if he never has to, maybe that isn't a bad thing.
With regards to Vinatieri, no matter what future Pats kickers do, I for one can never forget him, simply because he was the one that made all of those big kicks. That leads me to thinking, how many other kickers come to mind when you think of a career of big kicks? A number of kickers stick out in terms of consistency, range and longevity, but big spot after big spot, season after season? I find it just amazing that he had so many opportunities to kick in big spots with the Pats. How many kickers go through an entire career having just a couple of chances to kick that last second game winner they've dreamed about their whole kicking lives? Never mind in playoffs and super bowls. And that he just kept making them, wow.
The only other kicker that comes to mind that has had numerous opportunities would have to be Vanderjagt...and we all know how that worked out.