Something Positive To Write About: Adam Vinatieri

by Brad Wells on Dec 15, 2010 12:20 PM EST in 2010 Colts Analysis

So, some of you are 'complaining' that I'm not writing enough positive stories about a 7-6 team fighting for its playoff life this Sunday. Truth of the matter is that I've looked for positive things to scribble about, but there aren't many. I could write another story about how Peyton Manning is awesome and how he has done so much with the garbage talent Bill Polian has drafted the last four years, but I've done that already.

Many times.

And while I'm very pleased guys like Javarris James, Blair White, and Jacob Tamme have stepped up and played their guts out this year in relief of injured players Joseph Addai, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark, I have a hard time getting over the underwhelming play of players like Philip Wheeler, Donald Brown, and Jerry Hughes (just to name a few). When undrafted talent outplays 'first round' talent, I don't see positives there. I see a personnel department that f*cked up.

Still, despite the negative clearly outweighing the positive so far this season, one of the very few bright spots for this team in 2010 has been the return of Adam Vinatieri.

During pre-season, some folks here actually thought Garrett Lindholm (who?) would take Vinatieri's job. All 'Vinny' has done this year is hit 20-f-22 FGs, include several beyond 45-yards, a feat Matt Stover struggled with all last season.

Other than the Titans Rob Bironas, who has made 21-of-22 FGs, no other kicker in the AFC is playing better than AV. Bironas also gets the nod over AV because he kicked a 55-yarder this year. The longest AV has made this year is 48.

The Indianapolis Star wrote a little piece today on how Adam Vinatieri wants to stay with the Colts after this season. Personally, I feel letting him go would be a mistake. AV is a 'money' kicker, and with offensive and defensive line (once again) being the priority for this upcoming off-season, running around looking for a new kicker should be the last thing on the minds of Colts management.

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The only thing bad I could ever say about Adam would be about the 29 yarder game winner

he missed at Qualcomm several years ago. That’s right the infamous… “throw 6 picks but I’m Peyton Manning so I’ll put you in a position to win” game… otherwise he’s been a steady professional.

I wish the Colts management would look into proven free agency talent more. Why cut out all the options? It almost feels like an ego move predicated on reputation rather than need.

by SoCalHoosier on Dec 15, 2010 12:34 PM EST reply actions

The other thing is he sometimes wears his Pats SB rings if he is going outside of Indy.

by sandtiger812 on Dec 15, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

In a similar vein,

I think McAfee has done a great job this year. Outside of his whole decision to get drunk and go for a midnight swim.

by newportVOL on Dec 15, 2010 12:41 PM EST reply actions

Outside of his whole decision to get drunk and go for a midnight swim.

What’s the problem? };0)

SOCIALMEDIA:"FACEBOOK" DOWN, MUST FIND NEW WAYS TO DEEPSTALK AREA FEMALES FOR HUMAN GANT RON TO SEX AKA DONG AFTER BRAVES ATL LOSSES --CyborgHanson48

by Chopaholic on Dec 15, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, it wasn't the best move.

But frankly I feel a little bit of pride knowing that’s what Pat does when he’s blasted. Instead of endangering lives.

I agree with you though. Outside of his suspension, McAfee is an asset on the field & provides an accessible and fun personality to represent the Colts. His Huddle Up Indy segments are a blast—especially the one he did with Adam.

by Riddering on Dec 15, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

I actually feel the same way too

I felt kinda good knowing that McAfee, although he WAS stupid, just embarrassed himself instead of endangering others.

Dallas Clark: Some tight ends catch. Some block. Clark just owns.

by Sir Sci on Dec 15, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

I'm all for signing him to an extension.

When you have a good kicker you should hang on to him until he’s pried from your cold, dead hands.

The Colts don’t need a revolving door at kicker on top of their other problems.

by Joseph* on Dec 15, 2010 1:24 PM EST reply actions

I don't know why

but even after all these years and his contribution to our playoff win in Baltimore I still view Adam as a Patriot in Colts uniform. It just hasn’t settled in that he is with the Colts. Can anyone explain why in the world I feel this way?

by codrutc on Dec 15, 2010 1:32 PM EST reply actions

Probably because he's the reason they won 2 of their 3 Super Bowls...

which is really hard to overcome.

But there’s not much better than a clutch kicker. I’d re-sign him without thinking twice. I just wish he had the leg to do kickoffs and put the ball in the endzone.

by Yougotme on Dec 15, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions