March 21, 2006

Vinatieri Signs with the Colts:

posted by jerseygirl to football at 05:24 PM - 84 comments

After what happened in the Steelers game, you could see this coming a mile away.

posted by dbt302 at 05:40 PM on March 21, 2006

i think this is huge maybe the texans can get vandergat

posted by Barry-from-H-town at 05:45 PM on March 21, 2006

As a Colt's fan I am thrilled. It's been a tough free agent period for Indy and this will be a great moral boost. Now if we could just get Edge back!

posted by ballen7065 at 05:58 PM on March 21, 2006

LUKE: I'll never join you! VADER: If you only knew the power of the dark side. Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father. LUKE: He told me enough! He told me you killed him. VADER: No. I am your father. Shocked, Luke looks at Vader in utter disbelief. LUKE: No. No. That's not true! That's impossible! VADER: Search your feelings. You know it to be true. LUKE: No! No! No! Sorry JG. It seemed appropriate.

posted by lilnemo at 06:15 PM on March 21, 2006

Indy's going to have to import some snow for him to kick in. Sorry for my ignorance but what happened to Vanderkack? Was he already traded, or is that still pending?

posted by THX-1138 at 06:18 PM on March 21, 2006

its ok nemo. Not as into the Pats as I am the Red Sox

posted by jerseygirl at 06:19 PM on March 21, 2006

what is bellechik thinking?has he lost his bananas?He is letting his team be diassembled.This team the Pats will make the Jets look like superman

posted by arturo at 06:36 PM on March 21, 2006

good move indy...finally, a kicker who can handle pressure!!!

posted by tubby2522 at 06:38 PM on March 21, 2006

Oh my... maybe the colts will actually win a big game... naaa - they still have Peyton "Choke" Manning! Well At least we still have Brady.... for now... When I saw this it felt the same as Damon going to the Yankees. New England sports had their fun I guess... Not sure I like this move.. but know Bellicheck - he'll train Troy Brown or he'll put himself in as kicker and will still get to the big game!

posted by nocurse at 06:52 PM on March 21, 2006

Oh well - I guess this means Doug Flutie will be the new kicker in New England (ha ha ha) - I just hope Belichek has a lot of rabbitds still in his hat

posted by assisttax at 06:57 PM on March 21, 2006

what is bellechik thinking?has he lost his bananas?He is letting his team be diassembled. Sure. Not thinking like that is why they've been successful. This still hurts, but I don't know if they're being disassembled. And I'm happy to take money on the Pats having a better record than the Jets in 2k6. What did happen to Indy's Idiot Kicker?

posted by yerfatma at 07:10 PM on March 21, 2006

not an indy fan.....how bout them cowboys!!! Upon last check, they still have no kicker, homer.

posted by Ufez Jones at 07:19 PM on March 21, 2006

The only reason Vanderjadt had to kick a 46-yarder was because they were confident enough in him to take a few deep shots down the field, rather than go for some short plays to get him closer. In hindsight, that confidence cost the man his job.

posted by DudeDykstra at 07:25 PM on March 21, 2006

Hooray! No more drunk kicker here in Indy!

posted by sportsmomma at 07:28 PM on March 21, 2006

"they were confident enough in him to take a few deep shots down the field" Funny that he couldn't make that shot, but in a narrow alley with Dave letterman at the hold, he could nail one just as long! What an ass!

posted by sportsmomma at 07:31 PM on March 21, 2006

In jeans and tennis shoes at that!

posted by sportsmomma at 07:32 PM on March 21, 2006

In hindsight, that confidence cost the man his job. WTF are you people talking about? His suucess combined with his age is why he's no longer a Patriot. They're don't want to pay what they figured he'd cost. He's not getting fired, he's getting a raise. Your hindsight isn't 20/20.

posted by yerfatma at 07:56 PM on March 21, 2006

erm.. yerfatma, unless i'm missing something i think dudedykstra was referring to vanderjagt, not vinatieri. seems like we're all having vision problems today.

posted by ninjavshippo at 08:09 PM on March 21, 2006

Whatta ya mean "what an ass?" Are you pushing for the Cowboys to sign him?

posted by Bud Lang at 08:14 PM on March 21, 2006

God, Pats fans, learn how to spell your coach's name! This signing is awesome. The Colts have been wanting to be rid of Vanderjackass for a while. To answer the questions, his contract was up and they let him walk. I didn't really see this one coming. It's very exciting. He doesn't have the strongest leg in the world but you know you can count on him in the clutch... And since now without Edge they'll need more field goals, this is excellent.

posted by Bernreuther at 08:23 PM on March 21, 2006

vanderjagt has been cut loose by the Colt's. Last I read he was auditioning in Green Bay.

posted by ballen7065 at 08:31 PM on March 21, 2006

I think that was a stupid move by both teams..........vanderjagt is he not 1 of the most accurate kickers in the game if not the best.........then vinatieri......the pats would not have won those superbowls with out him and if they get in that situation again this coming year maybe not in the superbowl but mayb the afc champ. game and they miss a 46-yard fg that if they made they would have won there going to be pissed that they got ride of him

posted by ShaunWhite2791 at 08:47 PM on March 21, 2006

Barry_from_H_town... Are you that upset with Kris Brown? He was better than half the kickers in the league last year. And WAY better than anyone the Cowboys have!

posted by nflhou02 at 11:33 PM on March 21, 2006

(Rant alert! Rant alert!) I think this is a sign that the Patriots staffing personell are buying into their own mystique. Not good. There are two players on the team that were cornerstones of the Superbowl campaigns and are irreplaceable: Brady and Vinatieri. Yes, irreplaceable. "Automatic Adam" is the the definition of a "clutch" player at a position that benefits the most from players able to step it up from their usual levels for certain occasions. He is the best bad-weather kicker in the history of the game, and there is no better fit, past or present, for the notoriously changeable New England climate and post-season cold. He is absolutely unshakeable, and his completion percentage goes up in situations where the oppsosing team tries to "ice" him with a time-out. He's a valuable team leader with a strong locker-room presence, a trait unheard of in a kicker. What's more, Belichick's strategy has been to hang tough and then murder the other guy in a 2 minute drill. Belichick, for whatever reason, has been unable to devise ways to get the ball into the endzone in close games, and relies heavily on the kicker to pull ahead. He had the best kicker in the league for his style of offense. Now Tony Dungy has him, and anyone, anyone Pioli slots in to replace Vinatieri will be a drastic step down. For what? To save a million bucks? The Pats are so far under the cap, it's chump change. They can afford to pay Adam V what he's worth and hire a kickoff specialist, and see a bigger return in their investment than blowing five times that on a Keyshawn or a Ray Lewis. This makes it different than losing Lawyer Milloy to Buffalo... cornerbacks cost real money. Kickers, even overpaid kickers, cost almost zilch, and in this case, returns value far in excess of his salary. What's worse? He's going to the one team we will most likely need to get past each and every post-season. He will be a most effective weapon against us, weilded by an arch-rival. Unless Vinatieri is suffering severe health problems (like his back) that haven't been made public, this is the most dunderheaded New England sports move since Babe Ruth went to the Yankees.

posted by SoupIsGood Food at 02:55 AM on March 22, 2006

Good to lose Vandy. GREAT to get AV. Really, really hope we get a good RB. Kickers generally don't run for much yardage.

posted by dOgooders at 03:10 AM on March 22, 2006

i think dudedykstra was referring to vanderjagt I'm a friggin' idiot. Since AV didn't miss any key kicks against Pitt last year, that probably should have been a tipoff. Sorry dd. SIGF, I can't see a kicker being an irreplacable part. AV made any number of huge kicks in his career, but how many other teams have won without a star kicker? Who was the 49ers' kicker during their run? The Cowboys'? I think AV was one special case and arguing from the specific to the generic about NFL kickers based on AV overstates their importance. This makes it different than losing Lawyer Milloy to Buffalo... cornerbacks cost real money. Kickers, even overpaid kickers, cost almost zilch, and in this case, returns value far in excess of his salary. Except he was going to cost real money and they must figure they can get a new kicker plus another cog for the $2.5 million on whatever it would have cost. Also, Lawyer Milloy is a safety.

posted by yerfatma at 05:34 AM on March 22, 2006

Vanderjagt was going to cost too much for the Colts to keep. They should have considered getting rid of the REAL CHOKER (Manning) to save cap room. Manning is the one who made the last kick of the year 46 yards rather than 36 because he called the stupid plays. Rather than handing off to Edge (who is also gone) and letting him run for his usual 4+ yards per carry, he throws more incomplete passes that gained 0 yards. As a Colts fan I say, keep the Edge (the most consistant running back in the league) and Vandy (who is the most consistant kicker in the league) and get rid of Peyton (who is the most consistant CHOKER in the league).

posted by Familyman at 06:36 AM on March 22, 2006

God, Pats fans, learn how to spell your coach's name! And the world's biggest generalization award goes to...

posted by Venicemenace at 07:19 AM on March 22, 2006

Edge is not in Indy anymore, get over it. Manning is, get over it. As a Lions fan, I will trade you ALL of my second- and third-tier QB's for your top-tier Peyton Manning. "Choke" is a strong word when your team gets that deep into the playoffs. I wish the Lions would choke that good...

posted by wingnut4life at 07:31 AM on March 22, 2006

Choke is also inappropriate when you lose to the better team. This year's loss to Pittsburgh was the only time they actually choked. Losing to the higher seed, New England, the Jets, etc, isn't a choke job.

posted by Bernreuther at 08:16 AM on March 22, 2006

Football just gets crazier and crazier. You would think that this would get them over that perverbial hump they seem to have difficulties climbing over to winning it all. How many great position players do they need anyway? But I digress and will still hope they can do it if not the Bears.

posted by melcarek69 at 08:27 AM on March 22, 2006

Ok ok ok OKKKKKK! Here's the scoop: For all his success as a "great indoor kicker," Mike Vandershank never has been the greatest clutch kicker in the league. Plus, his detrimental comments towards certain Colts (Cough Peyton Manning Cough) are detrimental a team who is literally BUILT around their QB. So what did Indy do? They went out and got someone who may not have as much leg as Vandershank, but is more clutch (look at 2 of the 3 Superbowls), more accurate...and just imagine him in that RCA Dome with that offense. It could be a good match. Meanwhile, Vandershank may be an idiot, but he's still a strong-legged kicker who I see going to this one team in an ironic twist of fate: New England. The Patriots need a strong-legged kicker to boot those field goals, and this Canadian can do it...give the man some props. Vanderjagt is not that crazy. He's just got a lot of baggage... And gosh, if we dissed folks with baggage, TO wouldn't be in Dallas and Charles Woodson and LaVar Arrington wouldn't be without a team (oh wait a minute...they're BOTH currently still on the market trying to get more money than they're worth...I guess never mind then).

posted by chemwizBsquared at 08:32 AM on March 22, 2006

Dang, I'm going to miss Vinatieri. That snow bowl game is burnt into my memory as one of the top football moments that I've wintessed (albeit on TV). I wonder, though, if Adam will get all those endorsement deals down there in Tennessee.

posted by Jugwine at 09:09 AM on March 22, 2006

this is the most dunderheaded New England sports move since Babe Ruth went to the Yankees. Is this in the running for overreaction of the year?

posted by tron7 at 09:11 AM on March 22, 2006

I wonder, though, if Adam will get all those endorsement deals down there in Tennessee. While I wonder about his endorsement deals, I think you might have just confused him with David Givens.

posted by yerfatma at 09:12 AM on March 22, 2006

Tennessee, Indiana, it's all the same to us Northeastern Liberal Elitists. (remind me never to post before coffee again -- I'm still relearning the ropes after a long hiatus)

posted by Jugwine at 09:34 AM on March 22, 2006

Great kicker, so you can't question the move at all. Vanderjagt's mouth was an embarrassment. I've always felt field goals, kicked extra points, and kickers in general have no real place in football. Nothing is worse than watching two good teams kick the crap out of each other for hours, only to have some little 130-lb. string bean trot out and decide it. But having a kicker who can't shutup? Ridiculous. Too bad the Colts have wasted some decent years and some good players with no Super Bowl appearances or championships to show for it.

posted by dyams at 10:04 AM on March 22, 2006

Nothing is worse than watching two good teams kick the crap out of each other for hours, only to have some little 130-lb. string bean trot out and decide it. I've put in a call to Sebastian Janikowski. He'll be waiting in the dark alley behind your place of employment to discuss this with you tonight.

posted by wfrazerjr at 11:10 AM on March 22, 2006

I've put in a call to Sebastian Janikowski. He'll be waiting in the dark alley behind your place of employment to discuss this with you tonight. He'll probably be in the alley, on his knees, puking because he's so wasted. I realize there are some heavier kickers, but the day I'm intimidated by a kicker is the day I stay in my house and never come out. Ray Lewis, Joey Porter, Michael Strahan, etc.? Yes. Sebastian Janikowski, Jay Feely, Orlindo Mare, etc.? Doubt it.

posted by dyams at 11:17 AM on March 22, 2006

Vanderjagt was going to cost too much for the Colts to keep. They should have considered getting rid of the REAL CHOKER (Manning) to save cap room. Manning is the one who made the last kick of the year 46 yards rather than 36 because he called the stupid plays. Rather than handing off to Edge (who is also gone) and letting him run for his usual 4+ yards per carry, he throws more incomplete passes that gained 0 yards. As a Colts fan I say, keep the Edge (the most consistant running back in the league) and Vandy (who is the most consistant kicker in the league) and get rid of Peyton (who is the most consistant CHOKER in the league). I think this is one of the stupidest statements I have ever read. Get rid of one of the best QB's in the league...yeah that's smart

posted by jmbraun773 at 11:49 AM on March 22, 2006

I think this is a great move. Vanderjagt has been becoming a liability (not necessarily on the field). He is the most accurate kicker in NFL History, but he has been in a dome. Vinatieri has been playing in Boston, which is crazy weather. Vanderjagt 87.5% in a dome. Vinatieri 81.9% outside in Boston. I'll take Vinatieri.

posted by jmbraun773 at 12:03 PM on March 22, 2006

I'll take Jim J. Bullock for the block.

posted by yerfatma at 12:06 PM on March 22, 2006

I don't know what's more upsetting, yerfatma -- the fact you don't know how to spell Jm's name, or that the IMDB page doesn't have a photo of him. Also, why do all of Jm's credits seem to have something to do with gay characters?

posted by wfrazerjr at 12:09 PM on March 22, 2006

Chemwiz, your scoop is a little off. Vanderjagt is the more accurate statistically, and he doesn't have a strong leg... they have had a kickoff specialist doing kickoffs for him because he doesn't have the same leg he used to.

posted by Bernreuther at 12:12 PM on March 22, 2006

he doesn't have the same leg he used to Not since he woke up in that seedy motel, in a bathtub full of ice.

posted by fabulon7 at 12:55 PM on March 22, 2006

As a die hard Indy fan, I have to say I'm stoked about this deal, even though I equate getting an ex-Pat with Damon and Clemens going to New York. I mean, who in the hell shanks a game-deciding FG in a freaking dome?

posted by lex2000 at 01:12 PM on March 22, 2006

Mike Vanderjagt's the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history. I'm amazed so many people here think it's a good move to let him go, especially when the reason is a radio interview he gave a couple years ago. Vinatieri has been huge in the Super Bowl, but he's not going to help a team get there nearly as much as Vanderjagt, one of the few kickers in the league whose leg is game-changing good. Vanderjagt has hit 79 of 102 kicks from 40 or more yards, a career 77 percent average. Vinatieri has hit 78 of 118, a career 66 percent. Vanderjagt's career field goal accuracy is nearly four percent higher than the next-best kicker in league history. The Colts got worse by dropping him and signing Vinatieri.

posted by rcade at 01:52 PM on March 22, 2006

Mike Vanderjagt's the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history. I'm amazed so many people here think it's a good move to let him go, especially when the reason is a radio interview he gave a couple years ago. I think him being on Letterman and making the kick that he missed in the playoffs was a pretty huge factor.

posted by bperk at 01:58 PM on March 22, 2006

The Colts got worse by dropping him and signing Vinatieri. Yup, now they have to carry a huge cooler full of snow to sprinkle on the field before every single field goal attempt!

posted by wingnut4life at 02:14 PM on March 22, 2006

Yep - if kickers don't mean much and are replaceable parts then you could do worse than get an AV. That said, if statistics mean anything, then Vanderjagt is the better kicker. I think this is basically a wash. You only notice the kicker when he screws up anyway. But Vanderjagt is historically the better kicker. And the louder kicker (which is probably the point).

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:29 PM on March 22, 2006

Assuming the difference in accuracy and based on the number of attempts from 40+ yards last season (neither kicker made one), the Colts would lose maybe one field goal a season on the difference. I think the biggest factor would be the trust/faith in your kicker, something Indy lost in Vanderjagt after the miss last season. AV may not have the stronger leg, but he comes with a built-in trust that might be worth the extra dough.

posted by wfrazerjr at 03:01 PM on March 22, 2006

I can't believe these Colt's fans calling for Peyton's head and calling him a choker.... I lived in Denver during Elway's first 3 years there, and while he had some abuse cast his way, by his 4th year (which included a resounding 39-20 Super Bowl loss to the Giants), he was practically accorded sainthood. Peyton Manning may go down as the greatest of his era, if not all time, by the time he hangs 'em up. Peyton went down swinging to Pittsburgh. If he had found an open reciever and thrown a TD on that last drive, you all wouldn't be saying those things. To imply that he choked is pretty far fetched. I think if you have never been in that position to see if YOU would "choke", you have no business saying another person did, especially if they have the talent to be in said position and YOU DON'T! If Bettis doesn't fumble, Vandy's kick never happens. Who was the choker? Bettis hasn't learned to hang on to the ball with two hands when holding a lead in the last 2 minutes of the game? After HOW many years of playing football? With a title shot on the line? Vandy's kick was horrible, but in the same vein, how many games has he won in similar situations?I don't think it was the pressure that got Jag, but maybe it was. Chalk it up to a learning process, he's a pro, check out his resume`. Rcade's stats are pretty meaningful, Colts fans. Dyams, you're sittin in front of your computer and claiming you wouldn't be intimidated by the kickers in the league, well , I hope you realize how ridiculous it sounds. I'll take Janikowski drunk and give you 3 and 1/2. By the way Vandy goes 6'5" and 220. Vinatieri is listed @ 6' 202. John Hall 6'3"240 , scan the rosters, you will see nary a 130 lb. kicker in the league, most are over 200, and I bet most could show you what kicking is all about...

posted by mjkredliner at 03:52 PM on March 22, 2006

What's with the piling on Vanderjagt? He was out of contract, and based on his comments of years ago it isn't a stretch to see that he wouldn't want to come back (in addition to management not wanting him back as I had read in some other article that I can't find). Still, I don't see how you can spin the stats in either kicker's favour without knowing what effect a dome has. Vanderjagt is more accurate by a margin, but half his kicks are in a dome. Is that a big enough influence to account for his margin on the rest of the kickers?

posted by gspm at 04:04 PM on March 22, 2006

The only windage in a dome is if the AC is kicking on high...

posted by wingnut4life at 04:21 PM on March 22, 2006

I don't really think anyone here really believes that Vinatieri is truly better all around. The reason for the celebration is that he's the best possible replacement, and keeping Vandy was never an option for the Colts. They only kept him last year because there wasn't a good replacement. He has pissed off management repeatedly and while still excellent, had been declining (losing distance, mostly). Missing the kick and the Letterman stunt was the last straw. The Colts try pretty hard to hire classy guys and act like a family, and while he was really good, he wasn't a member of the family. I wasn't all that excited about the prospect of Cortez competing to be the main guy, but this works out well.

posted by Bernreuther at 04:41 PM on March 22, 2006

Vinatieri is listed @ 6' 202 Once saw him run down Hershell Walker from behind on a kickoff during the Carroll Administration.

posted by yerfatma at 04:47 PM on March 22, 2006

Peyton went down swinging to Pittsburgh. If he had found an open reciever and thrown a TD on that last drive, you all wouldn't be saying those things. Nope, we'd be talking about the Superbowl Champion Seattle Seahawks.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:56 PM on March 22, 2006

The Colts try pretty hard to hire classy guys Oh, damn it, now you had to go and make me dredge this back up.

posted by wfrazerjr at 05:19 PM on March 22, 2006

I said try. You could also dredge up Doss's arrest, Harper's issues, etc. But in general, they're pretty low on the jerk scale.

posted by Bernreuther at 05:40 PM on March 22, 2006

Can someone explain to me how making a kick on David Letterman hurt Mike Vanderjagt? Would you be more supportive of him if he missed it? That line of reasoning is insane.

posted by rcade at 06:03 PM on March 22, 2006

That line of reasoning is insane. Did someone mention T.O.?

posted by irunfromclones at 06:18 PM on March 22, 2006

I bet most could show you what kicking is all about... Have you met me, mjk? Those numbers aren't a major concern. Take the ones you list for Vandy and add 25 lbs. Speak for yourself, not for me. That wasn't really my point, anyways. I was only responding in jest to wfrazerjr's comment.

posted by dyams at 07:03 PM on March 22, 2006

He was making light of the fact that he fucked up in the game. He didn't appear upset by his failure, apologetic, or anything. Part of it couldn't really be avoided, yeah, since they put him up to it, but he really didn't have very much business being on that show in the first place. If you blew a kick in the playoffs would you go on Letterman? I wouldn't.

posted by Bernreuther at 07:11 PM on March 22, 2006

well, peyton still wont win anything of any relevance. maybe vinatieri can kick one through the uprights to win a "big" monday night game. Thats as big as its going to get for the colts as long as happy feet manning is leading them. It doesnt matter who kicks the god damn ball. all that other b.s. is completely irrelevant in the steelers game if the dumbass refs knew what the hell an interception was.

posted by aaa76 at 07:41 PM on March 22, 2006

If you blew a kick in the playoffs would you go on Letterman? I don't think Vanderjagt would be as good as he is if he treated missed field goals like a death in the family.

posted by rcade at 08:30 PM on March 22, 2006

I am a Pats fan. I have had a great time watching the Pats stomp on the Colts the past 5 years or so. Not once during those years did I think, "Oh, we've got this one in the bag, Peyton Manning's playing." The Elway comparison above is a good one. Ton of talent, hasn't won the big one. Yet. I don't know if he will, but he's certainly good enough. Trashing Peyton in spite of his record setting numbers is silly. Do you all think Dan Marino sucks too?

posted by yerfatma at 08:31 PM on March 22, 2006

Bill polian is "DA MAN ".Hey Rocky,watch me pull a rabbit ,outta my hat.......Peyton or Leaf?Faulk, Ricky, or, Da Edge?Vandy or Vinaterror? And yes, now a draft pick.Waitta dae get a load of Draft Day Batman.Bill, if your listening?You rock.....See you and my Colts at the big one in 2007.

posted by goodknight at 08:38 PM on March 22, 2006

Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that Belichick knows something that we don't know? Name one player he has let go who hasn't shown diminished skills -- and yes, that goes for now-blimpy Ty Law, despite his deceptive stats.

posted by rockamora at 08:38 PM on March 22, 2006

Give MV a break. He didn't cost the Colts the win. The entire offense lost that game (with the help of the refs). He is still a great kicker, but I would rather have AV.

posted by rlscales at 09:07 PM on March 22, 2006

Since Vanderjagt is a free agent, I wonder if he will end up in New England.

posted by flicknut at 09:54 PM on March 22, 2006

As a Colt's fan, I say that Vandy didn't 'lose the Pitsburg game' for us. We got outplayed. Hell, the Colt's had an easy schedule last year. The only teams that posed a challenge either beat us or kept the score close. Adding AV is great...but we need a RB and more defense. Same old story, well, except for the 'need a RB' part.

posted by dOgooders at 10:10 PM on March 22, 2006

This is a huge loss for NE. Vinatieri was the one who started the Pats dynasty when he nailed that game winning FG in the snow vs. Oakland, if you'll recall. And if you think Bellichick is bananas for letting him go, remember two things: (1)In New England, it truly is all about the team. (2)Bellichick is a future hall of fame caliber coach. The Pats have been hit hard before by departures and the injury bug before and in the last 5 seasons they have still managed to win 58 regular season gms and 3 Super Bowls and Brady went 10-0 in playoff starts before the loss to Denver in round 2. No question NE is still a threat to get to Super Bowl XLI, but this clearly gives Indy a valuable weapon in close,games,and far as Peyton Manning choking in big games, let's remember that John Elway and the Broncos got their ass kicked in three Super Bowls before Jon finally won one.

posted by headgames at 01:40 AM on March 23, 2006

Since Vanderjagt is a free agent, I wonder if he will end up in New England. He visited the 'Boys yesterday.

posted by wingnut4life at 06:43 AM on March 23, 2006

This is the 75th comment in a thread about an NFL kicker. Jesus.

posted by Amateur at 07:44 AM on March 23, 2006

The last two soccer threads combined for 25 comments, A, so the earth's not spinning off its axis just yet.

posted by wfrazerjr at 08:21 AM on March 23, 2006

I don't think Vanderjagt would be as good as he is if he treated missed field goals like a death in the family. No one wants him to fall into a depression about it. But, fans like to keep the illusion that winning really matters to the players. It validates that it really matters to the fans. I doubt any Colts fan were ready for the jokes after 4 days, but Vanderjagt was. I'm depressed after a big loss for a solid week.

posted by bperk at 08:37 AM on March 23, 2006

This is the 75th comment in a thread about an NFL kicker. Jesus. Last time I checked, there's a spot on the home page that keeps a running tally on number of comments for each thread. Having one more comment pointing out something so obvious is more ridiculous than 70-something comments about kickers.

posted by dyams at 09:37 AM on March 23, 2006

Since Vanderjagt is a free agent, I wonder if he will end up in New England. He visited the 'Boys yesterday. And apparently agreed terms today.

posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 10:18 AM on March 23, 2006

What's funny is that no one thinks kickers are worth big money until they lose because their kicker misses a crucial field goal. It is terribly painful to lose those close games because the one week spot on your team is the kicking game. Disclaimer: I am an FSU alum. Wide right haunts me.

posted by bperk at 04:07 PM on March 23, 2006

wow...a couple of years ago we thought peyton manning was god himself. now we are saying that the colts should trade him to keep mike vandershank, even though it is the QB that gets the team somewhere.

posted by danewguy at 10:16 PM on March 23, 2006

This will look great on the Pats unless the next kicker, whoever it is, misses one in the last minute with the playoffs (or the Super Bowl) on the line. For the Pats' sake, I hope it never comes to that.

posted by chicobangs at 12:49 AM on March 24, 2006

I heard some people compare this move to Johnny Damon going to the Yankees. First off vinatari is a kicker and not very important to the game (no offense, but kickers play about 10 downs a game). Second off last time i checked, Colts and Pats fans didnt hate each other making this boogus.

posted by buffalo will never win at 05:46 PM on March 24, 2006

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