When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, many believed they had found their kicker of the future. However, after just one season, the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland. This decision comes despite Ryland leading the team in scoring during his rookie year, amassing 72 points. Yet his statistics reveal a less optimistic picture.
Ryland struggled with accuracy throughout the season, hitting only 64% of his field goals. Converting just 16 out of 25 attempts, he found himself last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. His performance was particularly worrisome from long range, making a mere 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, successfully converting only 5 of 11 attempts.
Training Camp Competition
With these struggles in mind, the Patriots invited veteran kicker Joey Slye to training camp. Slye, boasting six years of NFL experience, presented a formidable challenge for the young Ryland. Slye's career began with the Carolina Panthers, but he has since played for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders in 2021, before the Commanders let him go after two-and-a-half seasons.
During training camp, Slye outshone Ryland, demonstrating the consistency that the Patriots would come to favor. 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." Slye particularly excelled at long-distance attempts, converting eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, whereas Ryland hit just three of seven from the same range.
Choosing Experience Over Potential
In the end, it was Slye's experience and camp performance that swayed the Patriots' decision. Bill Belichick, known for his pragmatic approach, ultimately decided to go with the more reliable option in Slye. This move underscores the high-stakes nature of the NFL, where potential often takes a back seat to proven ability.
ESPN.com reported that "the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," a surprising turn for a player once envisioned as a long-term piece of the special teams puzzle. The decision to bring in a veteran like Slye, who has suited up for six different teams in his six-year career, indicates that the Patriots are prioritizing immediate reliability over long-term development in their kicking game.
The Road Ahead
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams unit. Slye's impressive camp performance has raised expectations, and fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if he can maintain this momentum into the regular season. The pressure will undoubtedly be high, but Slye’s broad experience across multiple teams should serve him well.
For Ryland, this setback represents a critical juncture in his fledgling career. Being the last kicker drafted by Belichick is a noteworthy footnote, but now Ryland must focus on finding another opportunity to prove his worth in the NFL. His scoring tally during his rookie year suggests potential, but the glaring issues with consistency will need addressing.
As the Patriots look forward, their special teams are under a spotlight. Slye’s accuracy from long range, coupled with his seasoned presence, inspires cautious optimism. However, the dynamics of NFL competition mean that there are no guarantees. The Patriots, a team synonymous with meticulous preparation and high standards, will be hoping that Joey Slye can indeed be the solution to their kicking conundrum as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.