Ah just lovely. Apparently a late entry by the Colts. Just today I was reading how it was between the Packers and Patriots, as nobody else seemed to be interested.
First, let me say that I appreciate all that AV did for us. He was/is a GREAT kicker. 6th all time in accuracy is hella impressive playing in New England (as compared to Vanderjerk playing in a Dome being #1 which impresses me less). His kick against the Raiders is one for all time.
But, all that said, he IS "just a kicker". Most people couldn't even name the kickers for most Super Bowl winners. They can be important, but usually they're pretty fungible.
The Patriots have a system, and we as fans have lived (well) by it, and hopefully we won't die by it. The system is that we don't overpay for ANYBODY, and that try very hard to have an entire team that consists of good, solid, "middle class" players surrounding a very small number of superstars.
Here's hoping the Patriots don't live to regret this however, which I acknowledge certainly is possible.
No matter how you spin it, however, it's been a sad month for Patriots fans. 2/4ths of the group that had been to all 4 SBs in the Kraft era (Troy Brown, Bruschi, McGinest and AV) are gone now) and Brown might sign with the Jets or retire.
