New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski entered the 2015 season with 411 consecutive successful extra points, but his ability to make 12 more and secure the record for consecutive makes was made more difficult by a rule change that backed up attempts.
The NFL’s new extra point rule can’t stop Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Gostkowski made six extra points on Sunday to improve to an NFL-record 425 consecutive successful extra points.
That didn't matter and with six successful extra points on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gostkowski improved to 14 of 14 for the 2015 season and passed the mark of 422 straight extra points set by former Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover.
Even before the rule change, a streak of that length is especially impressive considering the fragility of the routine that goes into a successful kick. Gostkowski told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald that it’s about a lot more than just booting a ball through the uprights.
“It’s a testament to all the good snappers and holders I’ve had here,” Gostkowski said. “It doesn’t take much for something to go wrong -- a bobbled hold, a break in the protection, a low kick by me, a slip on the grass. It’s just cool to be able to be consistent. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Gostkowski's last missed extra point came during his rookie season in 2006 when he missed one against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. It was his only miss as a rookie and the only one of his career, as Gostkowski improved to 464 of 465 on Sunday.
Records are nothing new for the Patriots and are just something that comes with the 115-32 record since Gostkowski joined the team. With a prolific offense led by Tom Brady, Gostkowski has had a wealth of opportunities to rack up statistics in New England.
Gostkowski has seized that opportunity and was given the franchise tag in the offseason before signing a four-year, $17.2 million contract in July. In addition to his successful extra points, Gostkowski is a perfect 7 of 7 on field goals in 2015. He led the NFL in successful field goals in 2013 and 2014 making 38 of 41 and 35 of 37, respectively.
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