When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the organization envisioned him as their kicker of the future. However, just a year later, the Patriots have made the difficult decision to cut ties with the beleaguered kicker.
Rookie Struggles
During his rookie season, Ryland was far from the model of consistency that the Patriots had hoped for. Despite leading the team in scoring with 72 points, his performance revealed several concerning trends. Most notably, Ryland converted only 64% of his field goal attempts, hitting just 16 out of 25 tries. This dismal conversion rate placed him last in the NFL for field goal percentage.
Even more troubling was Ryland's performance from beyond 45 yards. He managed to make just 45.5% of his kicks from this distance, converting only 5 out of 11 attempts. These struggles highlighted significant concerns in his ability to deliver in clutch situations, a crucial aspect for any NFL kicker.
Training Camp Competition
The Patriots, unwilling to leave their special teams unit in a precarious position, brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. With six years of NFL experience behind him, Slye was a seasoned professional looking for a fresh start. His arrival immediately set up a competitive environment.
Slye's experience paid dividends, and he soon outperformed Ryland in almost every aspect of their head-to-head competition during camp. Slye managed to hit nearly 80% of his kicks, compared to Ryland's 75.9%. Notably, Slye was successful on eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing his reliability from long range. In contrast, Ryland hit just three of seven attempts from the same distance.
A Journeyman's Path
Slye's journey to New England has been marked by numerous transitions. He spent his first two years in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers before a whirlwind 2021 season saw him play for three different teams—the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington was the longest since his early days in the league, lasting two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency.
Now joining the Patriots as his sixth team in six years, Slye brings not only a wealth of experience but also a crucial opportunity for stability. His performance in training camp has been promising, but the real test will come when the regular season kicks off, with all eyes on the Patriots' special teams to see if he can carry his momentum forward.
The Belichick Legacy
Ryland, notably, is the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick. For the 71-year-old head coach, known for his meticulous attention to detail and high standards, this decision underscores the ruthless efficiency with which he runs his team. Despite investing a draft pick in Ryland and the hope that accompanied his arrival, the sobering reality of his underperformance necessitated a swift and decisive change.
While Ryland's tenure was brief, the Patriots' willingness to pivot and adapt reflects the competitive and unforgiving nature of the NFL. Veteran Joey Slye now has the challenging task of solidifying the kicker position and ensuring that the Patriots' special teams unit remains a reliable component of their gameplan.
As the NFL season approaches, the dynamics within the Patriots' roster will be keenly observed. The progress of Slye, as well as the impact of Ryland's departure, will serve as critical storylines. For now, the Patriots have made their choice clear, demonstrating once again that in professional football, performance and results are paramount.
"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. The numbers reflect a broader narrative of consistency and reliability that the Patriots hope will translate into game-winning moments once the season begins.
According to ESPN.com, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year." This decision, while tough, marks a new chapter for both Ryland and Slye. As the future unfolds, their paths will be closely monitored, symbolizing the ever-evolving nature of talent and opportunity in the NFL.