When Chad Ryland was picked by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, hope was abundant that he would secure the role of the team's long-term kicker. However, after only one season, the Patriots have decided to part ways with the rookie kicker, reflecting their quick pivot to veteran presence in the position.
A Disappointing Season
Ryland's rookie campaign was a mix of potential and missed opportunities. While he led the Patriots in scoring with 72 points, his accuracy was an issue, converting only 64% of his field goal attempts. His record of 16 successful kicks out of 25 placed him last in the NFL for field goal percentage. Particularly challenging were his attempts from beyond 45 yards, where he managed just 45.5%, hitting only 5 out of 11 tries.
Seeking Stability
Seeking to stabilize their special teams, the Patriots turned to Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, armed with six years of NFL experience, showcased his capabilities, significantly overshadowing 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 consistency, especially from long range, proved crucial; he converted eight out of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, whereas Ryland made only three out of seven kicks from the same distance.
The Veteran Advantage
Slye's journey through the NFL has been extensive. Initially, he spent two years with the Carolina Panthers before a whirlwind 2021 season saw him don jerseys for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His stint in Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders released him into free agency.
Now joining the Patriots, Slye marks his sixth NFL team in as many years. Despite the constant movement, his experience and reliability have made him an asset, especially at a critical moment when the Patriots are seeking consistent performance in their kicking game.
Future Prospects
As Ryland steps away from New England, he leaves behind a record as the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick. The expectations were high, but the swift decision to release him underlines the unforgiving nature of professional sports, where performance swiftly trumps potential. With the NFL season quickly approaching, the spotlight will now be on the Patriots' special teams unit. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if Slye can carry his training camp form into the regular season, thereby validating the Patriots’ decision to opt for veteran reliability over youthful promise. If he can maintain his camp performance, he will play a critical role in the team's success.
The rapid transition from a rookie kicker of the future to a seasoned expert exemplifies the high stakes and quick turnarounds that define the NFL. The Patriots' decision, mirrored in their historical pursuit of excellence, highlights the relentless pursuit of consistency and results that are demanded at this elite level of sport.