It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers. The game left Patriots fans with little to celebrate, except for one shining moment courtesy of kicker Joey Slye.
A Moment of Brilliance
In a game where the Patriots struggled to gain any momentum, Slye provided a rare highlight just before halftime. With the team looking for a spark, they took a bold gamble by sending Slye out to attempt a 63-yard field goal. The decision paid off handsomely as Slye drilled the kick, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half.
The remarkable field goal wasn't just crucial for the game; it also etched Slye's name in the NFL record books. The 63-yard kick tied for the fourth-longest field goal in league history and was the second-longest made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. Only Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys has kicked a longer field goal this season, setting a 65-yard record earlier on.
Historic Company
Slye’s achievement places him among some illustrious company. The NFL record for the longest field goal belongs to Justin Tucker, who hit a 66-yarder against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Following Tucker is Matt Prater with a 64-yard kick accomplished in 2013. While Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, Prater’s field goal took place in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air, conditions that are often favorable for long kicks.
Slye’s feat is even more impressive when considering the conditions in which it was made. His 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. The last time a kick of that length was made outdoors, apart from the high-altitude conditions of Denver, was when Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick to beat the Giants in 2018.
A Lone Highlight
Despite Slye's heroics, the Patriots couldn't turn around their fortunes in Week 4. The team found it hard to piece together any significant drives or create scoring opportunities, leaving Slye's kick as the standout moment in an otherwise forgettable game.
The Patriots will undoubtedly need to make adjustments in the coming weeks if they hope to bounce back. However, Slye’s kick serves as a testament to his skill and precision, offering a glimmer of hope and a reminder of what is possible even in tough situations.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Patriots respond to their recent struggles. For now, Joey Slye’s spectacular 63-yard field goal remains a cherished memory from an otherwise challenging weekend for New England.