When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, the organization saw him as their kicker of the future. However, the team has opted to cut ties with Ryland after just one year, a decision that reflects the unforgiving nature of professional sports.
Ryland led the Patriots in scoring during his rookie season, amassing 72 points. Despite this, his performance in field goal attempts was less than stellar. Ryland hit only 64% of his field goals, converting 16 out of 25 attempts. This put him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage, a statistic no player wants to lead.
Struggles from Long Distance
Ryland particularly struggled with long-range attempts. He managed to make just 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, successfully converting 5 of 11 attempts. Given the critical nature of long-distance field goals in today's NFL, these shortcomings certainly contributed to Ryland's release.
The Challenge from Joey Slye
In an effort to boost competition, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, a seasoned player with six years of NFL experience, quickly demonstrated his superior abilities. 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."
During camp, Slye impressively converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards. On the other hand, Ryland struggled again from this distance, hitting just three of seven. Slye's consistency and range undoubtedly played a significant role in the Patriots’ decision to move forward without Ryland.
Joey Slye’s Journey
Joey Slye’s career has been one of movement and adaptation. He spent his first two years in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers before playing for three different teams in 2021: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots are now the sixth team that Slye has joined in his six-year career.
A New Chapter for the Patriots
The decision to cut Ryland marks a significant moment in Patriots history, as he becomes the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick. While Ryland's name may not be etched in the annals of Patriots lore, his brief tenure serves as a reminder of the high expectations and swift judgments that come with playing in the NFL.
The Patriots' choice to bring in Slye and release Ryland undoubtedly aims to stabilize the kicker position, providing the team with the reliability they need for the upcoming season. As per ESPN.com, "the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," a swift and decisive move that reflects the team’s commitment to excellence.
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season. His track record suggests that he can be the dependable kicker the Patriots need, but as always in the NFL, performance on the field will be the ultimate judge.