When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the organization envisioned him as their kicker of the future. However, Ryland's tenure with the team has proven to be short-lived. After just one year, the Patriots have opted to cut ties with the rookie kicker, a decision likely influenced by a challenging first season and a competitive training camp environment.
Challenges in the Rookie Season
During his brief stint with the team, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, amassing a total of 72 points. Despite this, his performance metrics painted a less promising picture. Ryland managed to convert only 64% of his field goals, a statistic that placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. Out of 25 attempts, he successfully made 16, struggling particularly with longer distances.
From beyond 45 yards, Ryland's accuracy was notably lacking. He succeeded in making just 45.5% of these longer kicks, converting 5 out of 11 attempts. This inconsistency from beyond 45 yards undoubtedly played a role in the Patriots’ decision to explore other kicking options.
The Arrival of Joey Slye
In their quest for more stability in their special teams unit, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. With six years of NFL experience, Slye brought a wealth of knowledge and a track record of reliability that the team sorely needed.
Slye's presence in camp quickly became a key storyline. He notably outkicked Ryland by converting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to Ryland's 75.9%. A particularly telling statistic was Slye’s performance from longer distances; he translated eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, demonstrating both accuracy and range. In contrast, Ryland managed to hit just three of seven attempts from the same range during camp.
A Journey of Continuity and Change
Joey Slye's NFL journey has been anything but static. He spent his first two years with the Carolina Panthers before bouncing between the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders during the 2021 season. His tenure with Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders chose not to re-sign him, opening the door for his move to New England. As the sixth team in his six-year career, the Patriots may well provide Slye with a fresh opportunity to establish himself as a dependable presence on special teams.
The Bill Belichick Factor
Ryland holds the distinction of being the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, adding an extra layer of significance to his brief time with the team. Despite his struggles, Ryland's potential remains, but the Patriots' decision underscores the high standards and fierce competition inherent in maintaining a roster spot.
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams. The question remains whether Joey Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season and provide New England with the reliability they've been seeking. As the team moves forward, the performance of their kicker will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their success or struggle.