Chad Ryland’s Short Tenure with Patriots Ends
The New England Patriots have moved on from Chad Ryland, their anticipated kicker of the future, in a surprising turn of events. Drafted with high hopes, Ryland didn’t manage to live up to expectations during his rookie season. Despite leading the Patriots in scoring with 72 points, his field goal accuracy fell significantly short of NFL standards.
Ryland’s inaugural year saw him succeed in only 64% of his field goal attempts, hitting 16 out of 25. This placed him at the bottom of the league in terms of field goal percentage. Particularly concerning was his performance from long range; he converted just 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, making only 5 out of 11 attempts.
In an effort to solidify their special teams, the Patriots brought in seasoned kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, with six years of NFL experience under his belt, soon proved to be the more reliable option. Throughout camp, Slye made nearly 80% of his kicks, compared to Ryland’s 75.9%. This included an impressive tally of eight out of nine field goals from distances between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing his long-range proficiency. In stark contrast, Ryland managed to convert only three of seven attempts from the same range.
“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. This stark difference in performance metrics made the Patriots' decision relatively straightforward.
Slye’s career trajectory has been notably diverse. He began his professional journey with the Carolina Panthers, spending his first two years there before moving around the league. In 2021, he played for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His time in Washington culminated in a two-and-a-half-season stint before the Commanders decided not to extend his contract, allowing him to enter free agency.
The Patriots mark Slye's sixth NFL team in as many years. Despite this transience, his capability remains unquestionable, earning him yet another opportunity to prove his worth in one of the league's most storied franchises.
Ryland’s tenure, albeit brief, made him the final kicker selected by Bill Belichick. The decision to move on from him underscores the high stakes and minimal margin for error in professional sports, particularly in a role as pivotal as that of a kicker. As ESPN.com reported succinctly, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year."
With the NFL season fast approaching, the Patriots’ special teams are under scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if Slye can maintain his training camp momentum and provide the reliability the team needs. His performance could significantly influence the Patriots' fortunes in closely contested games where every point counts.
The Patriots' gamble on Slye reflects a calculated risk, blending his varied past experiences with the promise of consistency shown during the pre-season. Historically, Belichick has demonstrated an uncanny ability to identify and capitalize on such talents, and the organization will be hoping Slye proves to be yet another inspired choice.
Only time will tell if this latest change will bring stability to the Patriots' kicking game, but what remains clear is that the internal competition is fierce and unrelenting. For Ryland, this setback will serve as a critical learning experience as he looks to rebound and re-establish himself in the NFL.