The New England Patriots' search for a reliable kicker has taken a surprising turn as the team has decided to part ways with Chad Ryland after just one season. Ryland, who was believed to be the future kicker for the Patriots when he was selected in the NFL Draft, struggled to find consistency in his rookie season. Despite leading the team in scoring with 72 points, his performance left much to be desired.
Ryland's Rocky Rookie Season
Ryland's tenure with the Patriots was marked by inconsistency, as he successfully converted only 64% of his field goal attempts, making 16 out of 25. His field goal percentage was the lowest in the NFL, a statistic that undoubtedly influenced the Patriots' decision. Particularly alarming was his performance on longer attempts; from beyond 45 yards, Ryland managed to convert just 45.5%, hitting five out of eleven attempts. Given these numbers, it was clear that the Patriots needed to explore other options to stabilize their special teams.
The Arrival of Joey Slye
In an effort to secure a more dependable kicker, the Patriots brought in veteran Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, with six years of NFL experience under his belt, proved to be a strong contender. Throughout the camp, Slye showcased his capabilities by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks, compared to Ryland’s 75.9%. Most impressively, Slye was nearly flawless from long range, converting eight out of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland struggled, making just three out of seven attempts from the same distance.
Slye's journey in the NFL has been anything but smooth. Starting his career with the Carolina Panthers, he played his first two seasons there before moving to three different teams in 2021: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure with Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons before he was released into free agency. Now, joining the Patriots marks the sixth team in Slye’s journeyman career, and he seems poised to make a significant impact.
A New Direction for Patriots' Special Teams
The decision to cut ties with Ryland is a testament to the Patriots' commitment to improving their special teams unit. Ryland's disappointing rookie season, compounded by his poor performance in training camp, left the Patriots with little choice but to seek a more reliable option. ESPN.com noted, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," underlining the organization's swift action to address the issue.
Slye's strong showing in camp undoubtedly sealed Ryland's fate. 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." Slye’s consistency and range were on full display, giving the Patriots confidence that he could bring stability to their kicking game.
The Road Ahead
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can maintain his training camp momentum into the regular season. The kicker position is often an overlooked yet crucial aspect of an NFL team's success, and the Patriots are no strangers to making strategic decisions to bolster their roster. With Slye’s addition, the team hopes to avoid the pitfalls that plagued them last season and build a more consistent and reliable special teams unit.
Ryland, the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, will be remembered as a high-potential player who couldn’t quite deliver when it mattered most. For Slye, this opportunity with the Patriots represents yet another chapter in his volatile career, and he will look to solidify his place as a key contributor for his new team.
The Patriots' decision highlights the rigorous and often ruthless nature of professional sports, where performance is paramount, and patience can be in short supply. With the stakes high and the margin for error slim, the Patriots have signaled their intention to return to competitive form, and the successful integration of Joey Slye will be a critical step in that direction.