Indianapolis Colts' Adam Vinatieri aging like fine wine

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Adam Vinatieri is getting older. And better.

The Indianapolis Colts' 43-year-old placekicker hasn't missed a field goal since Week 2 last year, and his streak of perfection officially hit the NFL record book Sunday in a 34-26 win over Tennessee at Nissan Stadium.

Vinatieri's 33-yard field goal with 3:46 left in the third quarter was his 43rd consecutive make, setting a new league record and adding one more line to a resume that might make him the best kicker in league history.

"There's a lot of good kickers out there that have played a lot of games," Vinatieri said. "Obviously, Mike Vanderjagt held the record and I can't say enough about him -- one of the most accurate kickers of all time.

"For me, I'm happy that we won the game and that this is a little bit to go along with it."

No current kicker is as accomplished at Vinatieri, and it's a legitimate argument that no kicker in NFL history can stack up to what he's done. Three kickers -- Jan Stenerud, Lou Groza and George Blanda -- are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as is punter Ray Guy.

If and when Vinatieri's career ever ends, he's a cinch to join those guys in Canton. It's debatable that the New England Patriots' dynasty would have ever gotten off the ground had Vinatieri not nailed a 45-yard field goal through a snowstorm in an AFC semifinal against Oakland 15 years ago, forcing an overtime that he ended with a chip shot minutes later.

And now, in what should be the twilight years of his career, Vinatieri is 18-of-18 on field goals, including 11 of more than 40 yards and five of more than 50. Sure, playing in climate-controlled Lucas Oil Stadium helps, but Indianapolis plays road games too, and he's not missing in those, either.

"It is such an honor and privilege to be able to come to work every single day and work with that guy," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. "What he has done throughout his career and what he continues to do is truly amazing."

Forty-three in a row at age 43? To Vinatieri, it's only a number.

"We all want to do our job," he said. "You know, sometimes, the ball flies well."

For Vinatieri, it almost always flies between the uprights.