When the New England Patriots picked Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the hope was that he would blossom into their kicker of the future. However, those aspirations have been quickly dashed, as the team has opted to cut ties with Ryland after just one year.
A Disappointing Rookie Season
Ryland's rookie season was a mixed bag. While he led the Patriots in scoring with 72 points, his performance in crucial situations left much to be desired. He converted only 64% of his field goals, making 16 out of 25 attempts. Such a low success rate placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. Particularly concerning was his performance from beyond 45 yards, where he managed to make just 45.5% of his kicks, successfully converting only 5 out of 11 attempts.
The Rise of Joey Slye
In a bid to strengthen their special teams, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, immediately made his presence felt. 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's reliability from long distances was a stark contrast to Ryland's struggles. During camp, Slye converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland managed to hit just three of seven attempts from the same range.
A Journeyman’s Chance
Slye's journey in the NFL has been nothing short of a test of resilience. He spent his first two years with the Carolina Panthers before embarking on a nomadic 2021 season, playing for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His tenure in Washington was the longest, spanning two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots now mark the sixth team that Slye has joined in his six-year career, making him a seasoned veteran with a point to prove.
A Final Goodbye for Ryland
The dismissal of Ryland is notable not just for its timing but also for its implications. Ryland is the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick, an honor that, unfortunately, didn't translate into long-term success for the young kicker. The decision to part ways with him after only one season is a stark reminder of the high-stakes nature of professional football, where performance often dictates opportunity.
Quote from ESPN.com summarized the situation succinctly: "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year."
Anticipation for the Season
As the NFL season fast approaches, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season. The switch to a more experienced kicker could prove pivotal in close games where every point counts. For Ryland, this marks the end of a brief chapter with the Patriots, but it could also be a new beginning elsewhere as he seeks to rebound in the competitive world of professional football.
What remains clear is that the Patriots, under Belichick’s watchful eye, are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for special teams excellence. The urgency to improve after a lackluster performance by Ryland has led to placing their trust in a battle-tested veteran. Whether this move will pay dividends remains to be seen, but the decision underscores the high performance standards maintained by one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
With the regular season on the horizon, the focus will shift from training camp performances to the pressure-packed environments of competitive games. For now, the Patriots have made their choice, and Slye will need to step up and justify their confidence in him.