TIDBIT: Projected PAT leaders (1-5 only)

by Mike Harmon

As I sat down to write this piece, an earthquake sent my computer monitor shaking here in Southern California.

I chuckled for a moment, then thought it only appropriate that I was going to be evaluating the world of PATs, a world upset by the slightest shift.

We take for granted the short boot from 13 yards following a touchdown, yet everything has to line up perfectly. A four-part mini-play evolves. Snap, hold, blocking and the kick all line up in perfect time to execute such an innocuous play. It's done so perfectly and so seemingly routinely that we take the result for granted. That is, until it becomes a huge play in a game because of an errant snap, bad hold or Gary Yepremian-like affair.

Obviously, kickers need to operate behind a proficient offense to seal the possession. As such, it comes as no surprise that the kickers representing the game's highest-scoring units rank among my leaders in this category. Are there any surprises on the list? Let's check it out.

1. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
Let's keep it short and sweet. Gostkowski has converted 118 PATs in two seasons. He stacked up heavy weekly totals behind the New England juggernaut last year, and though we can't expect Tom Brady and company to shatter the scoreboards in such a pinball-like fashion again, even a significant dropoff in their efficiency keeps Gostkowski at the head of the pack. The offense is loaded for another run, and that defense keeps churning. Gostkowski was a perfect 74-for-74 in PAT attempts last year.
2007 Total: 74 PATs
2008 Projection: 63 PATs

2. Nick Folk, Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo has stepped into his own and will have the Cowboys' high-octane offense ready for another huge run. Buoyed by a strong defense, the Cowboys should control the field position games and allow Romo to work downfield while Marion Barber chews up turf in the ground game.
2007 Total: 53 PATs
2008 Projection: 57 PATs

3. Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers anticipate a huge growth period for Philip Rivers this season. The offense remains loaded, with Chris Chambers joining Antonio Gates as huge targets in the passing game. The team also expects bigger things from Vincent Jackson and Craig Davis, allowing Rivers to stretch the field. Of course, FOXSports.com Fantasy Football hero LaDainian Tomlinson is always good for a double-digit touchdown total. It's another huge year of offensive production in southern California.
2007 Total: 46 PATs
2008 Projection: 52 PATs

4. Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts opened camp without Peyton Manning under center, but he's expected to be ready well in advance of the opener. As such, we can expect the usual jaw-dropping offensive display in Indianapolis from the unflappable fantasy hero. The offense is replete with weapons to whom Manning can distribute the ball, with second-year receiver Anthony Gonzalez expected to take on a larger role. Vinatieri has ranked inside the top 10 in PATs for four consecutive years. Make it five.
2007 Total: 49 PATs
2008 Projection: 51 PATs

5. Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals
Rackers still ranked fourth in the PAT column last season despite the early-season quarterback issues. Ken Whisenhunt's offense came to life as Kurt Warner began to gun the ball downfield with great regularity. Matt Leinart will look to hold Warner off for the starting role and begin a long and fruitful relationship with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. The defense is still building toward becoming a more consistent unit, so I suspect that the Cardinals will need to continue their high-flying ways via the air.
2007 Total: 47 PATs
2008 Projection: 50 PATs