It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers. The team struggled to find any momentum, with highlights few and far between. However, one remarkable play stood out in an otherwise difficult game.
Joey Slye: The Bright Spot
Amidst the Patriots' struggles, Joey Slye delivered a rare moment of brilliance that brought some cheer to the Patriots' faithful just before halftime. The Patriots, in a bold move, sent Slye out to attempt an audacious 63-yard field goal. The gamble paid off as Slye drilled the kick, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half.
Slye's incredible field goal tied for the fourth-longest in NFL history, a testament to his skill and precision under pressure. This feat was not only remarkable for its distance but also for its context within the game, providing a crucial lifeline for his team when it was most needed.
NFL's Longest Field Goals
Slye's achievement places him among an elite group of kickers. The second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season, Slye's 63-yard kick is only surpassed by Brandon Aubrey's 65-yard record for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season.
The overall NFL record, held by Justin Tucker, stands at an astounding 66 yards. Tucker set this monumental record against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Additionally, Matt Prater's 64-yard kick, achieved in Denver in 2013, rounds out the top three longest field goals in NFL history.
What sets Slye's kick apart is the fact that it was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. While Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, and Prater's was achieved in the high-altitude environment of Denver, Slye's accomplishment came in a standard outdoor setting. The last time a 63-yard or longer field goal was made outdoors but not in Denver was by Panthers kicker Graham Gano, who hit a 63-yard kick in 2018 to beat the Giants.
Looking Forward for the Patriots
Despite Slye's heroics, the Patriots were unable to turn around their fortunes against the 49ers in Week 4. The team found it hard to gain any momentum throughout the game, and Slye’s field goal remained their only significant highlight. The Patriots' performance leaves much to be desired, and it remains to be seen how they will adjust in the coming weeks.
Slye's remarkable field goal, however, provides a silver lining and a testament to his incredible skill and precision as a kicker. At a time when the Patriots needed a boost, Slye delivered, giving the fans something to cheer about and highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. It remains to be seen if this moment of brilliance can inspire the Patriots as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
While the outcome of the game might have disappointed Patriots fans, Joey Slye’s exceptional 63-yard field goal offered a moment of hope and validation of his prowess on the field. It’s these moments of excellence that keep fans engaged, showing that even in tough times, individual brilliance can shine through.