Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Adam Vinatieri just keeps kicking at an incredibly high level, as he’s enjoying the greatest stretch of his Hall of Fame career. On Sunday he was an absolutley crucial part of the Colts’ win, and for his efforts he has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Vinatieri converted all five of his field goal attempts on Sunday (from 54, 53, 46, 41, and 26 yards out) and both extra point attempts to finish with 17 points on the day. It tied his career high in field goals in a game and points in a game, and the Colts wouldn’t have won without Vinatieri’s ability to convert stalled drives into points.

He is also having a special season, as he’s 13-for-13 so far and has made five kicks from 50+ yards, which leads the league. He’s also made 38 consecutive field goals, the third-longest streak in NFL history and just five away from passing Mike Vanderjagt for the longest. He also has made nine consecutive field goals from 50+ yards out, which is a Colts franchise record.

There’s little doubt that Vinatieri deserves this recognition, as he was tremendous on Sunday and an absolutely essential part to the Colts’ victory. He just keeps kicking at an incredibly high level, and it has been a huge boost for the Colts so far this year. This is his 16th AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award, which is the most in NFL history. He’s familiar with the award, and also with the Special Teams Player of the Month award, which he won just last November with the Colts.