When Chad Ryland was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft, the organization saw him as their kicker of the future. However, after just one season, the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland. As a rookie, Ryland led the team in scoring, amassing 72 points, but his performance left much to be desired. Ryland converted only 64% of his field goal attempts, making just 16 out of 25, and finished last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage.
Ryland's struggles were especially apparent from long range. He managed to make only 45.5% of his kicks from beyond 45 yards, successfully converting just 5 of 11 attempts. The Patriots, looking to bolster their special teams, brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp, who now appears poised to take over the kicking duties.
A Veteran's Presence
Joey Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, showed his mettle during training camp, outkicking Ryland by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to Ryland's 75.9%. Slye was particularly impressive from long distance, converting eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, while Ryland hit just three of seven from the same range.
Slye's NFL journey has been extensive. 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. His tenure in Washington lasted two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders let him walk in free agency. Now, with the Patriots, Slye joins his sixth team in as many years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reliable leg that has shown promise under the Patriots' scrutiny.
Eyeing Special Teams Improvement
For the Patriots, the decision to move on from Ryland so quickly underscores their urgency to improve the special teams unit. It's not uncommon for NFL teams to make swift changes when a player does not meet the expected standards, particularly in such a critical position as kicker.
"The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year," reported ESPN.com, marking a swift end to Ryland's tenure in New England. This decision likely reflects the Patriots' confidence in Slye's ability to perform consistently under pressure.
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season. Known for his powerful leg and accuracy, Slye has an opportunity to stabilize a position that has been somewhat uncertain for the Patriots.
Bill Belichick, known for his meticulous approach to team-building, now looks to his latest addition to the kicking game to provide the consistency that Ryland could not. As the final kicker drafted by Belichick, Ryland’s brief tenure serves as a reminder of the high expectations and minimal patience within the organization.
The Patriots' decision to turn to a seasoned professional like Slye signifies their intention to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. The team hopes that Slye's experience and proven track record will translate into reliability and success on the field.
The journey for both Ryland and Slye highlights the often unforgiving nature of professional sports, where talent must be promptly harnessed and potential swiftly realized. As Ryland departs, he leaves behind a cautionary tale for future rookies about the importance of performance and adaptability at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Slye's arrival injects a sense of optimism into the Patriots' special teams unit. If he can maintain his training camp form, the Patriots may well have found the steady foot they need to compete at the highest levels once more.