When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the organization had high hopes, envisioning him as their long-term solution at kicker. With great expectations riding on his shoulders, the pressure was on for Ryland to deliver. Unfortunately for the rookie, his tenure with the team was cut short after just one year. The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland following a season that didn't quite go as planned.
A Promising Start Turns Sour
In his rookie season, Ryland did lead the Patriots in scoring, amassing 72 points. However, when it came to field goal accuracy, he struggled mightily. Ryland managed to convert only 64% of his field goal attempts, hitting just 16 out of 25. This percentage placed him last in the NFL among kickers. His performance from long range was particularly concerning, with only a 45.5% success rate on kicks beyond 45 yards, converting 5 out of 11 attempts.
Arrival of the Veteran
With inconsistencies plaguing their kicking game, the Patriots sought stability by bringing in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who boasts six years of NFL experience, proved to be a reliable and effective option, outperforming Ryland comprehensively in camp. 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 striking consistency was particularly evident in his long-range capabilities, converting eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, a stark contrast to Ryland's three of seven accuracy from the same distance.
A Well-Traveled Career
Slye’s journey in the NFL has been eventful. He began his professional career with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent his first two years. In 2021, Slye played for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His stint with the Commanders lasted two-and-a-half seasons before the team decided to part ways with him in free agency. The Patriots mark Slye's sixth team in his six-year career.
Despite his nomadic career, Slye has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, traits highly valued by teams looking for dependable special teams players. His arrival in New England offered a testing period where he had the opportunity to display his professionalism and proficiency under pressure.
Final Draft Pick Under Belichick
The release of Ryland also carries some historical significance. He holds the distinction of being the final kicker drafted by Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick. Balancing the developmental potential of younger players with the assured performance of seasoned veterans has always been part of Belichick's philosophy, but Ryland’s case proves that the transition from collegiate excellence to professional reliability can be fraught with challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes are on the Patriots’ special teams to see if Slye can carry over his stellar training camp form into the regular season. The stakes are high, and the Patriots are counting on Slye to bring stability and confidence to their kicking game. The competition between a promising rookie and a seasoned veteran underscores the often-unforgiving nature of professional sports, where performance is the ultimate decider.
Indeed, the swift changes in the roster remind fans and players alike of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the NFL. The Patriots' decision to release Ryland after just one year underscores their commitment to assembling the most competitive team possible.
The narrative surrounding Ryland and Slye will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the season progresses. For Ryland, the journey is far from over, and the lessons learned during his brief tenure in New England might serve as a springboard for future opportunities. Meanwhile, for Slye, the chance to solidify his position and contribute to the Patriots’ ambitions represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
As the Patriots move forward with Joey Slye as their kicker, fans will be keenly watching, hoping that the veteran’s experience and training camp success translate into consistent performance on the field. In a league where games often hinge on the narrowest of margins, the role of a reliable kicker cannot be overstated.