The New England Patriots have made a decisive move by cutting ties with kicker Chad Ryland after just one year with the team. The organization initially saw Ryland as their kicker of the future when they selected him in the NFL Draft. However, his on-field performance during his rookie season was a far cry from what the team had hoped for.
A Rocky Rookie Season
Ryland's inaugural year in the NFL was marred by inconsistency. Although he led the Patriots in scoring with a total of 72 points, his accuracy left much to be desired. Ryland converted only 64% of his field goals, successfully making 16 out of 25 attempts. This placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage.
One of the key areas where Ryland struggled was hitting long-range field goals. He managed to convert just 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, making 5 of 11 attempts. This performance highlighted a concerning lack of reliability from distances where game-winning kicks are often needed.
Training Camp Competition
During the Patriots' training camp, Ryland found himself in direct competition with veteran kicker Joey Slye. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, quickly outshined the young kicker. Slye hit nearly 80% of his kicks in camp, compared to Ryland's 75.9%. "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.
Slye's proficiency from long range was particularly notable. He converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland could only manage three of seven from that distance. This disparity in performance made the Patriots' decision to part ways with Ryland and place their trust in Slye all the more logical.
Slye's Proven Track Record
Joey Slye brings a wealth of experience to the Patriots' special teams unit. He began his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers and has since played for multiple teams, including the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure with Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons before he was released in free agency. The Patriots are now the sixth team Slye has joined in his career, highlighting his journeyman status but also his resilience and adaptability.
Given his strong showing in training camp, Slye appears poised to take on a significant role for the Patriots this season. His ability to hit long-range kicks consistently will be especially valuable for a team that could find itself relying on field goals in tightly contested games.
The Final Chapter for Ryland in New England
The departure of Chad Ryland marks the end of a brief and unfulfilled chapter in the Patriots' search for a dependable kicker. Ryland, the final kicker drafted by head coach Bill Belichick, was seen as a long-term solution but ultimately fell short of expectations. "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," as noted by ESPN.com, underscores the swift nature of this decision.
As the NFL season rapidly approaches, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Joey Slye can translate his training camp success into consistent performance during the regular season. If Slye can maintain his form, he could prove to be a crucial asset for the Patriots in their pursuit of victories.