When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the organization envisioned him as their long-term solution at kicker. Expectations were high for the Penn State product, but after just one year, the Patriots have decided to part ways with him.
Ryland's rookie season was anything but stellar. He led the team in scoring, amassing 72 points over the course of the season. However, his performance in critical areas left much to be desired. Ryland managed to convert only 64% of his field goal attempts, hitting 16 out of 25 tries, placing him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. The distance was another struggle; from beyond 45 yards, he hit just 45.5% of his kicks, making 5 out of 11 attempts.
Enter Joey Slye
During training camp, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye. With six years of NFL experience under his belt, Slye quickly proved his worth. The competition between Ryland and Slye was closely monitored, and Slye's consistency stood out. 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 track record during camp was impressive. He successfully converted eight of nine attempts from a range of 50 to 59 yards, showcasing his reliability and power from long distances. On the other hand, Ryland struggled, converting just three out of seven attempts from the same range.
Slye's NFL Journey
Joey Slye's journey through the NFL has been a winding road. He began his professional career with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent his first two seasons. The 2021 season saw him playing for three different teams: the Houston Texans, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Commanders. Slye remained with Washington for two-and-a-half seasons until they decided to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots now mark the sixth team of Slye’s six-year career.
With the NFL season fast approaching, the spotlight is firmly on the Patriots' special teams unit. The decision to cut ties with Ryland after such a brief stint is a significant one. As reported by ESPN.com, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year."
For Ryland, the journey that started with so much promise has now reached an uncertain juncture. Being the last kicker drafted by Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick, Ryland carries an unfulfilled legacy.
Future Prospects
All eyes will be on Joey Slye as the Patriots aim for stability and accuracy in their kicking game. His performance during training camp has set high expectations, and fans hope he will translate this momentum into the regular season. If Slye can maintain his form, he could become a significant asset for the Patriots, a team that has historically placed immense value on special teams.
As the Patriots gear up for the upcoming season, the narrative shifts from the promise of a rookie kicker to the reliability of a seasoned veteran. Joey Slye's impressive showing in camp has earned him the role, and now it’s his turn to deliver when it matters the most.