MIKE VANDERJAGT on Letterman recap from Letterman site
He's the most accurate kicker in NFL history. This year, his field goal percentage was 92%, making 23 in 25 attempts. He was 7 for 8 from outside 40 yards. He's the real deal. please welcome
Mike Vanderjaght
Mike says he feels if the attempt is inside 53 yards, he should make it. Why did he miss the 46-yarder last week? Mike believes that all the Steeler fans on the left side of the stadium blew at the same time. Mike's miss was wide right.
Mike says he was the most surprised guy in the stadium when he looked up to see that he missed. He hit it right; it felt right, it sounded right. It went way right.
During the game when the Colts were down 21-3, Mike did some quick math in his head and figured for the Colts to tie it would take two touchdowns, a two-point conversion, and a field goal.
He thought it would eventually come down to him. When the Colts responded with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion, the score stood at 21-18. Yes, it would come down to Mike.
Mike says whenever the offense crosses the 50-yard line, he starts to prep for a possible field goal. When the Colts defense is on the field, he turns into a fan just like anyone else. He sits and enjoys the game. When the Colts unexpectedly got the ball back late in the game, the offense promised him they would get him close enough for a field goal.
The Colts eventually got to the 28 yard line. The offense lived up to their end of the bargain. 28 yard line, plus 10 yards for the end zone, plus 8 yards for the snap back to the holder, made it a 46-yard field goal attempt. And you know the rest.
And now to make it all right again. Dave and Mike head outside to 53rd Street to kick the field goal that wasn't last Sunday.
Dave and Mike go outside during the commercial break. With them is the Indianapolis Colts long snapper, Justin Snow, and the holder Hunter Smith.
Playing the part of Hunter Smith tonight will be Dave Letterman.
It's time for the kick. Dave points to the spot where he will place the ball. He receives the snap from Justin Snow. He places it down, spinning the laces out towards the target. Vanderjagt approaches and kicks. It is high enough! It is long enough! It is . . . . .. GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!