It was a tough outing for the New England Patriots on Sunday as they struggled against the San Francisco 49ers. In a game characterized by their inability to gain momentum, there was a rare moment of brilliance provided by kicker Joey Slye just before halftime.
A Bold Gamble
As the first half was coming to a close and the Patriots were looking for any spark to ignite their performance, they made an audacious decision. Head Coach Bill Belichick decided to take a gamble by sending Slye out to attempt an extraordinary 63-yard field goal. Given the distance, it was a risky move, but Slye's leg has never failed to dazzle.
Making History
True to form, Joey Slye seized the moment and drilled the 63-yard field goal, delivering the Patriots' only points of the first half. More than just a temporary morale booster, Slye's kick tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history, securing his place among the elite kickers in the league.
This remarkable kick was the second longest by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. Only Brandon Aubrey’s 65-yard field goal for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season surpassed it. Prior to Aubrey, Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens set the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Meanwhile, Matt Prater holds the third-longest kick at 64 yards, executed in 2013.
Conditions Matter
Most long-distance kicks are accomplished under ideal conditions, often indoors. Tucker's and Aubrey’s record-setting kicks benefitted from such settings. Prater's 64-yard feat took place in Denver, known for its high altitude and thin air, which can favor longer distances.
However, Slye's achievement stands out not just for the distance but for the challenging outdoor conditions under which it was executed. His 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. That year, Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick to beat the New York Giants. Slye's kick is also one of only four in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not at Denver’s enhanced elevation.
A Bright Light in a Dark Day
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn't capitalize and turn around their fortunes in Week 4. The 49ers dominated the game, but Slye’s exceptional moment served as a testament to his skill and precision. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks, but this particular event has undoubtedly etched itself into the annals of NFL history.
Joey Slye's remarkable field goal will be remembered as a beacon of what is possible, even in games fraught with difficulty. For now, it stands as the highlight in an otherwise tough outing for the New England Patriots.