It was a tough Sunday for the New England Patriots as they struggled against the San Francisco 49ers, with very few highlights to speak of. One play stood out—a remarkable field goal by Joey Slye.
In a game where the Patriots found it hard 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 a 63-yard field goal.
Slye drilled the 63-yard field goal and secured the Patriots' only points of the first half. The kick by Slye tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history. This feat becomes even more impressive considering it was only the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. The current record for the longest field goal stands at 66 yards, set by Justin Tucker against the Detroit Lions in September 2021.
Brandon Aubrey set a 65-yard field goal record for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season, positioning Slye’s kick just short of Aubrey’s. Matt Prater holds the third-longest kick at 64 yards, accomplished in 2013.
Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, whereas Prater's record-setting field goal took place in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air. In that context, Slye’s 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick in 2018 to beat the Giants, underscoring the rarity and difficulty of accomplishing such a feat outdoors in standard conditions.
Slye’s field goal was the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver. Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn’t turn around their fortunes in Week 4. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks.
Slye’s kick offers a testament to his skill and precision. Even though it was just a small point in a game dominated by the 49ers, it was a moment of exceptionalism that shined brightly in an otherwise dim performance by the Patriots.