When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, they envisioned him as their kicker of the future. However, the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year, marking the end of a brief and challenging tenure.
Ryland's Struggles in Rookie Season
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, amassing 72 points. Despite this, his performance left much to be desired. Ryland converted only 64% of his field goals, hitting just 16 out of 25 attempts—making him last in the NFL in field goal percentage. Further compounding his difficulties, Ryland managed to make only 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, successfully converting 5 of 11 attempts.
Veteran Presence: Joey Slye
Enter Joey Slye, a veteran kicker brought in during training camp. With six years of NFL experience under his belt, Slye quickly demonstrated his value. Slye's track record includes stints with the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots are now Slye's sixth team in his six-year career.
The competition in camp was fierce, but Slye ultimately outkicked Ryland by hitting nearly 80% of his attempts, compared to just 75.9% for Ryland. This gap became even more pronounced between distances of 50 and 59 yards, where Slye converted eight of his nine kicks, while Ryland managed to hit just three of seven.
Training Camp Performance
Slye's impressive performance in training camp was likely a decisive factor in the Patriots' decision. “Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland,” reported 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. This clear edge in consistency and reliability is critical for a team relying on special teams to secure crucial points throughout the season.
The Future of Patriots' Special Teams
With the NFL season fast approaching, the spotlight is firmly on the Patriots' special teams. Can Slye carry his training camp momentum into the regular season? His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for the Patriots, especially given the inconsistencies they faced with Ryland. As Bill Belichick's final drafted kicker, Ryland's departure marks the end of a brief chapter and the beginning of a new one with Slye.
It remains to be seen how Slye will perform when the stakes are high and the games truly count. The organization and its fans are undoubtedly hopeful that Slye's veteran experience and recent form will translate into on-field success, stabilizing a position that proved to be a vulnerability last year. One thing is for sure: All eyes will be on Joey Slye as he steps up to fill the role that Ryland could not secure.
For Ryland, the future is uncertain. However, the talent he showcased in leading the Patriots' scoring charts will likely present him with opportunities elsewhere in the NFL. It’s a tough lesson in the high-stakes world of professional football, where performance is the ultimate currency.
As the season kicks off, the Patriots' decision to move on from Ryland in favor of Slye will be a key storyline to follow, particularly in crucial moments when games can hinge on just one kick. The Patriots have made their choice; now the challenge is for Slye to justify their faith in him.