The New England Patriots' decision to release kicker Chad Ryland only one year after selecting him in the NFL Draft marks a significant shift in the team's special teams strategy. Initially seen as the Patriots' kicker of the future, Ryland's brief tenure with the team has been cut short after a challenging rookie season.
During his first year, Ryland led the Patriots in scoring with 72 points. However, his performance fell short of expectations as he converted just 64% of his field goal attempts, hitting 16 out of 25. This placed Ryland at the bottom of the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. His struggles were particularly noticeable in long-range kicks, as he managed to convert only 45.5% of his attempts from beyond 45 yards, successfully hitting 5 of 11 attempts.
Patriots Bring in Veteran Joey Slye
In an effort to address their kicking woes, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, quickly made an impact with his consistency and powerful leg. "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 performance during camp was an encouraging sign for the Patriots. He converted eight of nine kicks from distances between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing his reliability in high-pressure situations. In contrast, Ryland managed to hit just three of seven from the same range during camp, further highlighting the gap between the two kickers.
Slye's Journeyman Career
Slye's path to the Patriots has been anything but linear. He spent his first two years in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers before embarking on a whirlwind 2021 season where he played for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. Following a two-and-a-half-year stint in Washington, the Commanders opted to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots now mark the sixth team in Slye's career.
The Patriots' decision to part ways with Ryland came after careful consideration of their kicking game. According to ESPN.com, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year." This move underscores the importance of having a dependable kicker, especially in a league where games often come down to crucial field goals.
The Future of the Patriots' Kicking Game
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Slye can maintain his training camp momentum into the regular season. His experience and recent performance provide a hopeful outlook for a more stable kicking game in New England.
The release of Ryland, the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick, signals a new chapter for the team's special teams unit. While Ryland's potential was evident, his inconsistency proved to be a liability that the Patriots could no longer afford. Slye's veteran presence and demonstrated reliability could be the stabilizing force the Patriots need as they aim to improve their overall performance in the upcoming season.
As the Patriots transition to relying on Slye, the emphasis will be on consistency and accuracy, key components that were lacking in Ryland's short tenure. The change reflects the ongoing adjustments and relentless pursuit of excellence that define the New England Patriots organization.