When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the expectation was clear: Ryland was poised to be the team’s kicker of the future. However, those plans have swiftly changed as the Patriots have opted to part ways with Ryland after only one year.
Challenges in Ryland's Rookie Season
Ryland’s performance during his rookie season was a tale of contrasts. While he led the Patriots in scoring with 72 points, his field goal accuracy left much to be desired. Ryland converted just 64% of his field goals, hitting only 16 out of 25 attempts. This percentage was the lowest in the NFL, sowing seeds of doubt about his reliability in crucial situations.
From beyond 45 yards, Ryland managed a conversion rate of 45.5%, making only 5 out of 11 attempts. These numbers, coupled with his overall field goal percentage, painted a troubling picture and led the Patriots to reassess their options.
The Arrival of Joey Slye
During training camp, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye, a move that signaled a potential shift. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, demonstrated his prowess by outkicking Ryland. 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 performance was especially notable on longer attempts. He converted eight of nine kicks from between 50 and 59 yards during camp, whereas Ryland managed only three out of seven from the same distance. These statistics underscored the consistency and range that Slye brought to the table.
Slye's Journey in the NFL
Joey Slye's journey in the NFL has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He spent his first two years with the Carolina Panthers before playing for three different teams in 2021: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons, after which the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency.
The Patriots have become the sixth team that Slye has joined in his six-year career, and they are banking on his experience and proven ability to translate his training camp success into the regular season.
Bill Belichick's Final Draft Pick
Adding another layer of intrigue to this story is the fact that Chad Ryland was the final kicker drafted by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. This makes the decision to release him after just one season even more significant. Belichick has a long history of making strategic decisions, and this one underscores his commitment to fielding the most competitive team possible.
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Joey Slye can maintain his strong performance under the pressure of regular season play. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim as New England looks to build on its storied legacy.
As fans gear up for the new season, the narrative around the Patriots' kicking game will certainly be one to watch. Will Slye justify the faith placed in him, or will the decision to cut ties with Ryland after just one year be a topic of second-guessing? One thing is for certain: the coming months will provide the answers.