When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, he was envisioned as the kicker to solidify the team’s special teams for the foreseeable future. However, the Patriots have opted to part ways with Ryland after just one rocky season.
Ryland's Struggles
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring with 72 points. Despite this, his performance was fraught with inconsistency. He converted only 64% of his field goals, hitting 16 out of 25 attempts, which placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. His struggles were particularly pronounced when it came to long-distance kicks; he managed just 45.5% from beyond 45 yards, successfully converting only 5 of 11 attempts.
The Arrival of Joey Slye
In an effort to improve their kicking game, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, a six-year NFL veteran, showcased his reliability and experience by outperforming Ryland. During camp, Slye hit nearly 80% of his kicks compared to 75.9% for Ryland. His long-range accuracy was particularly impressive as he converted eight of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland managed only three out of seven from the same distance.
Joey Slye's NFL journey has been a tale of resilience and adaptation. After spending his first two years with the Carolina Panthers, Slye played for three different teams in 2021: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. He remained with Washington for two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders chose to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots are now the sixth team Slye has joined in his career.
The Decision to Cut Ryland
Given the performance disparity, the Patriots decided to make a switch. "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," reports ESPN.com. This decision underscores the volatile nature of professional sports, where potential must quickly translate into consistent execution.
Implications for the Patriots
The Patriot's decision to embrace Slye as their kicker moving forward comes with both immediate and long-term implications. With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams unit to see if Slye can bring his training camp momentum into the regular season. The stakes are high for an organization that has seen its kicking game falter, and Slye’s performance could play a critical role in close contests.
Furthermore, Ryland holds a distinctive place in Patriots history as the final kicker drafted by head coach Bill Belichick. His short tenure highlights the unpredictability of draft picks and the high performance standards expected within the Patriots organization.
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will inevitably shift towards how Joey Slye adjusts to his new team and stadium. Given his recent performance and track record, there is cautious optimism that he can provide the stability at the kicker position that the Patriots have been searching for. In professional sports, consistency is key, and Slye’s experienced foot might just be what the Patriots need to bolster their special teams and navigate the challenges of the NFL season ahead.