It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they faced an uphill battle against the San Francisco 49ers, managing only a few highlights in an otherwise lackluster game. Despite their struggles, one moment of brilliance emerged—a remarkable 63-yard field goal by Joey Slye.
In a game where the Patriots found it difficult to muster any momentum, Slye's audacious and successful field goal attempt just before halftime provided a rare moment of excitement. The team decided to take a gamble by sending Slye out to attempt a 63-yard kick, a move that paid off handsomely.
Slye drilled the 63-yard field goal, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half. This extraordinary kick tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history. It was also the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season.
To put Slye's achievement in context, we must remember some of the great kicks in NFL history. Earlier this season, Brandon Aubrey set a 65-yard field goal record for the Dallas Cowboys, while Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Another notable kick was Matt Prater's 64-yard field goal made in 2013.
It is important to note that both Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, and Prater's impressive field goal took place in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air, which can aid long-distance kicking. Slye’s field goal, on the other hand, was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018 when Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick to beat the Giants.
Slye’s remarkable 63-yard field goal was the fourth in NFL history from that distance or longer to be executed outdoors but not in Denver. This makes his accomplishment even more notable, as kicking in regular outdoor conditions typically poses greater challenges.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn't turn their fortunes around in Week 4. The team's struggles against the 49ers left fans and analysts pondering how the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, Slye’s kick stands as a testament to his skill and precision, reminding everyone of the potential for exceptional moments even in tough games.
While the Patriots had a tough outing against the 49ers, Joey Slye gave the team a moment of exceptionalism with his historic field goal. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Patriots leverage such moments of brilliance to find their footing.