When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, expectations were high for the young kicker to cement his place as a cornerstone of the team's special teams unit. However, after just one year, Ryland's tenure with the Patriots has come to an abrupt end.
Ryland's rookie season saw him lead the Patriots in scoring with a total of 72 points. Yet, his overall performance left much to be desired. Ryland managed to convert only 16 of his 25 field goal attempts, giving him a field goal percentage of just 64%—a figure that ranked him last in the NFL.
Struggles from Long Range
A deeper look into Ryland's stats reveals further issues, particularly with his accuracy on long-range attempts. From distances beyond 45 yards, Ryland was able to convert only 5 out of 11 tries, equating to a conversion rate of 45.5%. Such numbers inevitably raised concerns among the Patriots' coaching staff and front office, triggering a search for a more reliable option.
The Rise of Joey Slye
The Patriots acted decisively, bringing in veteran kicker Joey Slye during the recent training camp. Slye, boasting six years of NFL experience, quickly made his presence felt, showcasing a level of consistency that had been missing from Ryland's game.
Throughout camp, Slye outperformed Ryland significantly. According to reports from 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." Additionally, Slye demonstrated an exceptional ability to handle longer field goals, successfully converting eight of nine attempts from distances between 50 and 59 yards, whereas Ryland managed only three of seven from the same range.
A Veteran Presence
Slye's journey in the NFL has been a transient one. The kicker began his professional career with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent his first two seasons. The year 2021 saw Slye donning jerseys for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His most extended stint came with the Commanders, where he stayed for two-and-a-half seasons before entering free agency.
Despite his peripatetic career, Slye has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and perform under varying conditions, making him a valuable asset for the Patriots as they look to stabilize their special teams unit. Now, joining his sixth NFL team, Slye carries the weight of expectation that comes with his veteran status and proven track record.
The Final Kicker Drafted by Belichick
Chad Ryland marks a significant note in Patriots history as the final kicker drafted during the tenure of the iconic Bill Belichick. While Ryland's initial promise and aspirations fell short, the decision to release him after just one year is a testament to the unforgiving nature of professional sports where performance is the ultimate judge.
As the new NFL season looms, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see how Joey Slye's training camp success translates into regular season performance. The organization, its fan base, and NFL observers alike will be watching closely, hoping that Slye can provide the consistency and reliability that the team needs to compete at the highest level.
Ultimately, the Patriots' swift move to replace Ryland with Slye reflects a pragmatic approach to team building. It also underscores an understanding that in the NFL, having a dependable kicker can be the difference between victory and defeat in close games.
For Ryland, the cut signals the start of a new chapter as he searches for a fresh opportunity elsewhere in the league. For Slye, it's a chance to add another noteworthy milestone to an already eventful career.
As the season progresses, the Patriots' decision will be measured by Slye's on-field contributions. If he can maintain the form he displayed in training camp, it could very well be a turning point for New England's special teams, setting the stage for a compelling narrative that football fans will eagerly follow.