The New England Patriots have made a significant decision regarding their kicking game, opting to part ways with Chad Ryland after just one year with the team. Ryland, who was brought in as the kicker of the future, struggled throughout his rookie season and into training camp, leading to his early release.
Chad Ryland's Struggles
When Ryland was drafted by the Patriots, the organization had high hopes for him. He ended his rookie season with 72 points, leading the team in scoring. However, his performance on field goals left much to be desired. Ryland managed to convert only 16 of his 25 field goal attempts, resulting in a disappointing 64% success rate. This placed him last among NFL kickers in terms of field goal percentage.
The most glaring issue came with Ryland's long-range attempts. From beyond 45 yards, he made just 5 of 11 attempts, a 45.5% success rate. This inconsistency was a critical factor in the Patriots' decision to look elsewhere.
Joey Slye Takes Center Stage
To address their kicking woes, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, demonstrated his prowess by outperforming Ryland in camp. 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 performance was particularly impressive in the critical 50 to 59-yard range, where he converted eight of nine attempts. In contrast, Ryland managed to make only three of his seven attempts from that distance. This decisive edge in performance during camp made it clear to the Patriots' coaching staff that Slye was the better option moving forward.
A New Chapter for Slye
Slye's journey to the Patriots has been one of perseverance and adaptability. He began his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent his first two seasons. The 2021 season saw Slye play for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons before he was released into free agency.
Joining the Patriots marks the sixth team Slye has played for in his six-year career. Despite the frequent transitions, Slye has managed to maintain his form and now has the chance to solidify his role with the Patriots.
The Road Ahead
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams. The hope is that Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season and provide the consistency the team has been seeking. Stability in the kicking game is crucial for any team's success, and the Patriots are betting on Slye to deliver.
The decision to release Ryland after just one year is a reminder of the high stakes and rapid changes that can occur in professional sports. As the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, Ryland's time with the Patriots was notably brief. However, for Joey Slye, this opportunity represents a fresh start and the potential to make a lasting impact in New England.
As the season unfolds, the Patriots and their fans will be keenly observing Slye's performance, hoping that the veteran can dispel any lingering doubts and bring reliability to the team's kicking game.