Blair Walsh and the 10 worst kicker moments in NFL playoff history
By David Rouben
8. Mike Vanderjagt – Steelers vs. Colts, 2006
After trailing by as much as 21-3, Peyton Manning nearly led the Colts on one of the biggest fourth quarter comebacks. Instead, the Steelers won the game by 3 because of Mike Vanderjagt.
After the Colts had cut the deficit to 3, the Steelers tried to run off the clock. Jerome Bettis had a chance to seal the deal, but he fumbled the ball for the first time all season. It looked like Nick Harper would be able to run it all the way back for the Colts, but Ben Roethlisberger – of all people – came up with the game-saving tackle.
The fumble recovery still gave the Colts great field position and set up Mike Vanderjagt, who was at the time the NFL’s all-time leader in field-goal percentage. He hadn’t missed a single field goal at home, and had the chance to tie the game. But one missed field goal defined his career, as his 46-yard attempt with 17 seconds left went wide right. The Steelers won the Super Bowl that year 21-10 over the Seahawks.
Peyton Manning didn’t pull any punches, calling Vanderjagt an idiot kicker, and he’s still not alone in Indianapolis in believing that statement is still true to this very day.
Next: 7. Billy Cundiff