Where the balls were spotted on 63-yard field goals by Tom Dempsey and Jason Elam.

History was made in Denver on Monday night. It could next be altered off the field.

Oakland Raiders place kicker Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 63-yard field goal, tying an NFL record held by Tom Dempsey and Jason Elam.

But now the Raiders will appeal the spot of the ball and are arguing that it was a record-breaking 64-yarder.

The kick by Sea Bass was spotted just beyond the Raiders' 47-yard line, making the kick a tad over 63-yards. But the NFL rounds the distance down in this case. Dempsey's famous kick at old Tulane Stadium to first set the record with the Saints in 1970 was spotted just short of the New Orleans 37-yard line (see picture split left).

Remember, the goal posts where on the goal lines back when Dempsey made his kick. Meanwhile, Elam's 63-yarder (also in Denver) was spotted right at the Broncos' 47 yard line (see right).

Janikowski's kick was longer than Dempsey's by roughly a quarter of a yard and several inches longer than Elam's boot.

However, Dempsey's kick was below sea level while the other two were at altitude in the Mile High City. Studies have suggested that a ball travels anywhere from eight to 15 percent further at high altitudes similar to the conditions in Denver due to less air pressure.

"It's definitely helping," said Janikowski postgame about the high altitude after his kick cleared the crossbar by about a yard or two. In fact, the big lefty also said the only person he worries about breaking the mark is Matt Prater, who happens to be the current Denver place kicker.

Perhaps a pair of asterisks (i.e. the Roger Maris home run mark of 61* in '61) would be appropriate give the circumstances of the non-Dempsey kicks? Or maybe just leave the record tied.