What Does Jason Elam's New Deal Say About Loyalty and Respect for Kickers?

[djnemo65]

I don't think loyalty should a factor, but do I think teams continue to underestimate the ease with which they can replace reliable kickers. For such an unheralded position it can be the difference between defeat and dynasty, as the Patriots show.

We saw in the Superbowl the Patriots pass on a field goal opportunity on fourth and long, in a game they ended up losing by 3 points. You have to think they would have been more keen to attempt it if they still had Vinatieri back there.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by djnemo65

I don't think loyalty should a factor, but do I think teams continue to underestimate the ease with which they can replace reliable kickers. For such an unheralded position it can be the difference between defeat and dynasty, as the Patriots show.

We saw in the Superbowl the Patriots pass on a field goal opportunity on fourth and long, in a game they ended up losing by 3 points. You have to think they would have been more keen to attempt it if they still had Vinatieri back there.

good point about that fg opp. It's been talked about a lot, but I never heard anyone say, 'what if vinatieri was still there?'

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by djnemo65

We saw in the Superbowl the Patriots pass on a field goal opportunity on fourth and long, in a game they ended up losing by 3 points. You have to think they would have been more keen to attempt it if they still had Vinatieri back there.

Possibly, but giving Belichick the benefit of the doubt here, I would have to imagine he would have gone for it even with Vinatieri on his roster. It was not a certain kick for any kicker, but it was certainly more within Gostkowski's range than it would have been for Vinatieri. Ultimately, the decision was made because the Pats have a great offense, and no matter who is kicking for them, they still have a great offense.