When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland as their kicker in the NFL Draft, the organization envisioned him as a long-term special teams asset. However, just a year into his tenure, the Patriots have opted to part ways with Ryland, ushering in veteran kicker Joey Slye to take over the role.
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, amassing a total of 72 points. Yet, his performance fell short in crucial areas. With a field goal conversion rate of only 64%, Ryland made 16 out of his 25 attempts—placing him last in the NFL for field goal percentage. Particularly troubling was his performance on long-range kicks; from beyond 45 yards, he managed to convert just 5 of 11 attempts, or a mere 45.5%.
Competition in Training Camp
The Patriots brought in Joey Slye during training camp as competition for Ryland. Slye, a seasoned kicker with six years of NFL experience, quickly demonstrated his skill and consistency. "Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland," reported 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. Slye made an impressive eight of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland managed only three of seven from the same distance.
Veteran Experience
Slye's NFL journey began with two years at the Carolina Panthers. He then played for three different teams in the 2021 season: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His stint with Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders opted not to renew his contract, making him a free agent. The Patriots are now the sixth team Slye has joined in his six-year career.
This wealth of experience appears to have given Slye an edge in the Patriots' camp. His reliability and performance under pressure were key factors in the coaching staff's decision to make the switch. Given his ability to deliver consistently, particularly on long-range kicks, Slye could provide the stability that the Patriots have been seeking in the kicker position.
The Final Belichick Pick
Chad Ryland holds the distinction of being the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, a point that adds a layer of gravity to his release. The decision to cut ties with Ryland, as noted by ESPN.com, came as a surprise to some within the organization and the fan base alike.
As the NFL season looms, the focus will inevitably shift to the Patriots' special teams unit and whether Joey Slye can maintain his training camp momentum into the regular season. Should Slye sustain his form, this change could mark a significant improvement in the Patriots' kicking game, addressing one of the weak links from last year's campaign.