It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they struggled to find their rhythm against the San Francisco 49ers, with few highlights throughout the game.
One play, however, managed to stand out amidst the adversity—a remarkable 63-yard field goal by Joey Slye. In a game where the Patriots found it difficult to gain any momentum, Slye provided a rare moment of brilliance just before halftime.
The Patriots decided to take an audacious gamble by sending Slye out to attempt the 63-yard field goal, and he delivered spectacularly. Slye drilled the long kick, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half and tying for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history.
This impressive feat also marked the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys set a 65-yard field goal record earlier this season, while the NFL record is held by Justin Tucker, who nailed a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Matt Prater holds the third-longest kick at 64 yards, accomplished in 2013.
It's important to note that both Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, while Prater's field goal took place in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air, which can aid in longer kicks. Slye’s 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018, when Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick to beat the Giants.
Slye’s field goal was only the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver, highlighting both his skill and precision in a challenging environment. This achievement offered the Patriots a moment of exceptionalism in an otherwise tough outing against the 49ers.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn’t turn around their fortunes in Week 4. The lack of offensive momentum and the struggles on both sides of the ball overshadowed Slye’s standout moment. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks and address their shortcomings.
Slye’s extraordinary kick stands as a testament to his capability and dependability as a kicker, even under less-than-ideal conditions. For the Patriots, moments like these will be crucial as they navigate through the season, looking to capitalize on any opportunity to gain the upper hand.
In the ever-unpredictable world of the NFL, individual brilliance sometimes offers a glimmer of hope, and for the Patriots on this difficult Sunday, Joey Slye delivered just that.