When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, the organization pinned their hopes on him becoming their kicker of the future. However, the story has taken an unexpected turn, as the Patriots have opted to cut ties with Ryland after just one year.
Struggles in the Rookie Season
Ryland, during his rookie season, led the Patriots in scoring with 72 points, a respectable tally for a first-year player. However, his field goal accuracy was a major concern. Ryland managed to hit only 64% of his field goals, converting a mere 16 out of 25 attempts. His struggles extended beyond the shorter field goals, as Ryland was last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. From beyond 45 yards, the young kicker converted only 45.5% of his kicks, making 5 out of 11 attempts.
Competition in Training Camp
The Patriots saw the need to bring in competition for Ryland and signed veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, with six years of NFL experience, provided stiff competition. "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.
Slye's stellar performance in camp was highlighted by his success on longer attempts. He converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing his reliability and range. In contrast, Ryland hit just three of seven from the same distance during the camp.
Veteran Presence
Slye's journey in the NFL has been marked by his stints with multiple teams. He spent his first two years with the Carolina Panthers before playing for three different teams in 2021: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. Slye's tenure in Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons until he was let go in free agency. Now, the Patriots are the sixth team that Slye has joined in his six-year career.
The Final Kicker Drafted by Belichick
Chad Ryland holds a unique distinction, being the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick. However, this chapter of his career with the Patriots has come to an abrupt end. "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," noted ESPN.com.
Eyes on the Special Teams
As the NFL season approaches, attention will undoubtedly be focused on the Patriots' special teams and Slye’s ability to translate his training camp success into the regular season. The move signifies a clear shift in the Patriots' strategy, hanging their hopes on Slye’s experience and recent performance to stabilize the kicking game.
In an evolving tale of perseverance and competition, the Patriots' decision underscores the relentless quest for consistency and excellence in every facet of the game. As the season begins, the narrative will continue to unfold, revealing whether Slye can indeed solidify his role and bring reliability to New England's special teams unit.