After years of relying on veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri to come through with clutch kicks, the New England Patriots have decided to name a rookie as their starter. Bill Belichick named Stephen Gostkowski as the starting kicker instead of veteran Martin Gramatica. Both men were brought in to compete for the starting job. Although Gramatica didn't do anything wrong, Belichick was pleased with Gostkowski's performance throughout training camp and the preseason. He has made all four of his kicks in the preseason, while Gramatica made both of his.

Gramatica, who was a Pro Bowler in 2004, did not play last season. During his career, he has made 137-of-139 field goal attempts.