The kicker position has been a reliable component for the Patriots throughout the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era.
First, it was future Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri providing numerous clutch kicks en route to helping the Patriots capture three Super Bowl titles in the early 2000s.
Then, Stephen Gostkowski established himself as one of the best kickers in the NFL since entering the league in 2006.
Aside from 2010, when Gostkowski missed eight games with a leg injury and Shayne Graham stepped in, the Patriots have had two kickers in 20 seasons under Belichick, a rarity in the NFL.