The NFL’s new extra point rule has made it more difficult on plenty of kickers this season, but not Stephen Gostkowski.
Until Sunday, that is.
The New England Patriots kicker entered the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos having made 523 consecutive point after attempts. But after Steven Jackson’s 1-yard run put New England on the board at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Gostkowski committed a very uncharacteristic mistake.
Gostkowski’s shank was his first miss since Dec. 31, 2006, against the Tennessee Titans.
Of course, this misfire was 33 yards, as the league moved back the extra point from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line. Yet that certainly wasn’t an issue this season for Gostkowski, who made all 52 of his extra points and was a perfect 17 for 17 on field goals inside 40 yards.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
