Pat McAfee, Adam Vinatieri Named First-Team All-Pro

The Indianapolis Colts have the best kicking duo in the National Football League.  If this wasn't clear when both punter Pat McAfee and kicker Adam Vinatieri made the Pro Bowl, it is certainly clear this afternoon, as both were named  Associated Press First-Team All-Pros.  The fourth down army is well-represented on the prestigious list, and those are the players representing the franchise as well.

McAfee received 26 of the 50 votes, with the next closest punter receiving 12 votes (the Rams' Johnny Hekker).  McAfee averaged 46.7 yards per punt and a career-high 42.8 net yards per punt.  He broke his own franchise record with 30 punts pinned inside the 20, and that is compared to just three touchbacks on the year.  He didn't have a punt blocked, either.  He also led the NFL in touchbacks on kickoffs and with three successful onside kicks.  It's the first All-Pro recognition for McAfee.

Vinatieri received 25 of the 50 votes, finishing ahead of the Patriots' Steven Gostowski (21 votes), and a few others who received one vote.  Vinatieri had the best season of his 19-year career by connecting on 96.8 percent of his field goals (30 for 31), a mark that also led the league this year.  That is the highest field goal percentage by any kicker in the NFL since 2003, when the Colts' Mike Vanderjagt hit on 100% of his field goals on the season.  Vinatieri was perfect until the third quarter of the final game of the season.  He also hit on all 50 of his extra point tries.  It's the third All-Pro recognition for Vinatieri.

Three other Colts received votes.  Quarterback Andrew Luck received one vote, placing him on the ballot but behind Aaron Rodgers (44 votes), Tony Romo (3 votes), and Tom Brady (2 votes).  Still, to be included on the list with those other quarterbacks who had fantastic seasons is a nice recognition, too.  Inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson also received one vote.  Luke Kuechly (43 votes) and Bobby Wagoner (31 votes) were the first team All-Pros, while ten other players (including Jackson) received votes.  Jackson was one of five players to get just one vote at the position.  Cornerback Vontae Davis received two votes.  Darrelle Revis (42) and Richard Sherman (41) were the first-team All-Pros at the position, and after them Chris Harris (9), and Brent Grimes (4) finished ahead of Davis.