When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, the organization envisioned him as their long-term solution at the kicker position. Fast forward a year, and that vision has abruptly come to an end. Despite leading the Patriots in scoring during his rookie season, amassing 72 points, Ryland's performance left much to be desired, leading to his departure from the team.
A Troubling Rookie Season
Ryland's tenure with the Patriots was marked by inconsistency, a critical flaw for any kicker in the NFL. He converted only 64% of his field goals, making just 16 of 25 attempts. This placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage, a statistic that is hard to overlook. Particularly concerning was his performance on longer kicks. Ryland managed to hit only 45.5% of his attempts from beyond 45 yards, converting just 5 of 11 tries. These numbers underscore the challenges he faced in delivering under pressure and at range, crucial attributes for any dependable kicker.
Enter Joey Slye
In a bid to bolster their special teams unit, the Patriots turned to veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience under his belt, quickly proved to be a more reliable option. According to 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, "Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland."
During the camp, Slye demonstrated his prowess on longer kicks, converting eight of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards. In contrast, Ryland hit only three of seven kicks within the same range. This significant disparity in performance was a critical factor in the Patriots' decision-making process.
Slye's Journeyman Career
Joey Slye's NFL journey has been anything but linear. He spent his first two years in the league with the Carolina Panthers before embarking on a whirlwind 2021 season, during which he played for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. Slye's tenure in Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to part ways with him in free agency.
Now, the Patriots are the sixth team that Slye has joined over his six-year career. Despite his extensive travels, Slye has consistently shown resilience and adaptability, traits that the Patriots are hoping will translate into reliability and stability in their kicking game.
The Final Kicker Drafted by Belichick
Ryland holds the unique distinction of being the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, a testament to the high hopes the legendary coach initially had for him. However, as the NFL season rapidly approaches, it appears Belichick and the Patriots have shifted their focus to the more seasoned and seemingly reliable Joey Slye.
The performance of a kicker can often be the difference between victory and defeat in tightly contested NFL games. With this in mind, the Patriots' decision to cut ties with Ryland after just one year reflects their commitment to finding the best possible player for this crucial role. Slye's impressive performance in training camp has earned him the opportunity to prove he is up to the task.
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams unit to see if Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season. His consistency and experience could prove invaluable as New England looks to solidify its kicking game and, by extension, its chances for success in the upcoming campaign.