When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, they hoped he would be the kicker to secure their special teams for years to come. However, the organization has decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year, an unexpected turn of events that underscores the brutal competitiveness of professional sports.
Rough Rookie Season
During his rookie season, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring, accumulating 72 points. Despite this, he struggled to find consistency, converting just 64% of his field goals by making only 16 out of 25 attempts. This placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. His difficulties were particularly evident from longer distances, successfully converting only 5 of 11 attempts from beyond 45 yards—a mere 45.5% accuracy.
The Arrival of Joey Slye
In a bid to address their kicking woes, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, quickly proved to be a more reliable option. Slye's past includes stints with the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform in various team environments.
During training camp, Slye showcased his prowess by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks, compared to Ryland's 75.9%. This marked improvement was emphasized by Slye's performance from long range; he converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards. In contrast, Ryland struggled, hitting just three of seven attempts from the same distance.
Consistency is Key
The head-to-head comparison during camp was telling. Slye's tenure marked by his higher success rate left little doubt in the minds of the Patriots' coaching staff. Even though Ryland was the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick, the team prioritized performance and consistency over potential and draft status.
Slye's NFL journey has been anything but linear. Starting with the Carolina Panthers and moving through three different teams in 2021 alone, Slye finally found a more stable role with the Washington Commanders. Despite spending two-and-a-half seasons in Washington, the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency, leading him to New England. The Patriots are now the sixth team of his career, and both the player and the team hope this will be a more enduring fit.
Future Focus
With the NFL season fast approaching, the Patriots' decision to go with the more experienced Slye will be under scrutiny. All eyes will be on the team's special teams to see if Slye can carry the momentum from his impressive training camp performance into the regular season. For Ryland, the brief tenure in New England serves as a harsh reminder of the undulating fortunes in the NFL. For the Patriots, this represents a calculated decision to favor seasoned consistency over developing potential.
The move is indicative of the Patriots' pursuit of reliability in all facets of the game. While Ryland's journey with the team may have ended sooner than anticipated, the search for excellence in special teams continues unabated. With Slye's track record and recent form, the Patriots are betting on stability as they head into a critical season.