When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the initial hope was clear: they saw him as their kicker of the future. However, the Patriots have made the surprising decision to move on from Ryland after just one season.
Disappointing Rookie Season for Ryland
Ryland’s rookie year was a mixed bag. Although he led the Patriots in scoring, amassing a total of 72 points, his performance left much to be desired in terms of accuracy. Ryland managed to convert only 64% of his field goals, making just 16 out of 25 attempts, a figure that placed him at the bottom of the NFL in terms of field goal percentage.
The struggles didn’t end there. Kicking from long range proved particularly problematic for Ryland, as he made just 45.5% of his field goals from beyond 45 yards, converting only 5 out of 11 attempts. These statistics painted a bleak picture, and the Patriots organization had to make a tough decision.
Enter Joey Slye
In an effort to bolster their special teams, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, came with a resume that includes stints with multiple teams, notably the Carolina Panthers for his first two seasons and three different teams in 2021: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. Slye’s tenure in Washington saw him spent two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders decided to part ways with him in free agency.
Competitive Training Camp
Training camp soon became a proving ground for both kickers, with Slye emerging as the more reliable option. Slye outkicked Ryland by hitting nearly 80% of his attempts compared to Ryland’s 75.9% success rate. This disparity was highlighted in a report by 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.
Slye’s success was not just in overall percentage; he also excelled in longer-distance kicks. During camp, Slye converted eight out of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing a consistency that was markedly lacking from Ryland, who hit just three out of seven attempts from the same range. This performance left little doubt about who would secure the starting job.
The Patriots Make Their Decision
With preseason in the rearview and the regular season fast approaching, the Patriots made their decision official by releasing Ryland. ESPN.com confirmed, “The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year.” This move not only underscores the high demand for kicking consistency in the NFL but also signifies the importance of performance under pressure.
Looking Ahead
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on the Patriots’ special teams to see if Slye can maintain his form. His six-year career, marked by stints with five different teams before joining the Patriots, suggests a journeyman kicker finding his stride. The opportunity is immense, and the expectations are high.
Moreover, Ryland’s journey is far from over. The experience of being the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick adds a unique twist to his narrative. Whether he finds another opportunity within the NFL or continues his football career elsewhere, the lessons learnt this past year will be instrumental in shaping his future.
The decision to pivot to Joey Slye reflects a constant in professional sports: performance is paramount, and there’s little room for prolonged adjustment periods, especially in high-stakes roles like that of a kicker. The Patriots, true to their championship pedigree, have opted for proven reliability over potential, setting the stage for what promises to be another intriguing NFL season.