When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, they envisioned him as their kicker of the future. However, after only one year, the team has opted to cut ties with the young kicker. The decision comes after a challenging rookie season where Ryland's performance fell short of expectations.
During his freshman NFL year, Ryland was the leading scorer for the Patriots, amassing a total of 72 points. Despite this, his field goal accuracy was a significant concern. Converting only 64% of his field goals, Ryland managed just 16 out of 25 attempts. This placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage, raising doubts about his reliability in high-pressure situations.
Ryland particularly struggled with long-distance kicks. From beyond 45 yards, he hit only 45.5% of his attempts, successfully converting just 5 out of 11. This inconsistency prompted the Patriots to bring in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp to evaluate alternatives within the special teams unit.
Slye’s Experience and Performance in Camp
Joey Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, joined the Patriots camp on a mission to prove his worth. He began his career with the Carolina Panthers and has since played for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. Slye's tenure with Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons before he entered free agency.
During training camp, Slye demonstrated his veteran savvy and reliability. Over the course of camp, Slye hit nearly 80% of his kicks, significantly outpacing Ryland, who managed 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.
Particularly notable was Slye's performance on long-distance kicks. He converted eight out of nine attempts between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing his strong leg and accuracy. In comparison, Ryland managed to hit just three out of seven kicks in the same range, further solidifying the gap in their performances.
The Decision to Move Forward with Slye
After evaluating both kickers' performances throughout training camp, the Patriots made the difficult decision to release Ryland. As ESPN.com noted, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year." The move underscores the team's commitment to improving their special teams unit, especially as they prepare for the fast-approaching NFL season.
Ryland's release marks a significant moment as he is the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick. The decision to let him go suggests the Patriots are placing their trust in Slye, hoping his experience and demonstrated accuracy during camp will translate into regular-season success.
Looking Ahead for the Patriots’ Special Teams
With the NFL regular season looming, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can maintain his training camp momentum. While Ryland's potential was evident, the Patriots have opted for the steadier, more experienced option in Slye. Given his impressive camp performance, fans and analysts alike are optimistic about what he can bring to the team.
The Patriots’ decision to bring in Slye reflects their broader strategy of ensuring consistency and reliability in all facets of the game. As they aim for success in the upcoming season, Slye’s performance will be critical in providing the stability the Patriots need in their kicking game.