When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the decision came with high expectations. Positioned as the team's kicker of the future, Ryland entered his rookie season under immense pressure. Unfortunately, his performance did not meet the organization’s hopes, leading to a dramatic turn of events after just one year.
Ryland's Rocky Rookie Year
Ryland’s first year with the Patriots was marked by inconsistency. Although he led the team in scoring with a total of 72 points, his effectiveness on the field was questioned. He managed to convert only 64% of his field goals, hitting just 16 out of 25 attempts. This placed him at the bottom of the NFL rankings in terms of field goal percentage. Particularly problematic was his performance on long-distance kicks; he made only 45.5% of his attempts from beyond 45 yards, converting 5 out of 11.
With these stats, it became evident that Ryland was struggling. His inconsistency put the Patriots in a difficult situation, forcing the team to look for a more reliable option.
Slye Seizes the Opportunity
The Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp to create competition and potentially find a better solution. Slye, who has amassed six years of NFL experience, immediately showcased his superior skills. He outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland.
Slye's performance during camp left a strong impression. He converted eight out of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, whereas Ryland hit only three out of seven in the same range. Slye's reliability and consistency offered the Patriots something they sorely needed on special teams.
A Seasoned Journey
Slye's career path has been diverse. He began with the Carolina Panthers, spending his first two years in the league there. In 2021, he played for three different teams: the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. Slye's tenure with Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons before the Commanders decided to move on from him in free agency.
Now with his sixth team in six years, Slye's experience and journey through multiple teams may offer the Patriots a seasoned and dependable presence. The Patriots organization is betting on his ability to stabilize their kicking game with the regular season rapidly approaching.
End of the Road for Ryland
Meanwhile, the Patriots have made the difficult decision to cut ties with Ryland. As reported by ESPN.com, "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year." This move underscores the unforgiving nature of the NFL, where poor performance can quickly lead to a player being released. Ryland's departure marks the end of an era, as he is noted to be the final kicker drafted by the legendary Bill Belichick.
For Ryland, the journey may not be over. Young kickers often find other opportunities, and this could be a pivotal learning experience for him as he seeks to refine his skills and catch on with another team.
As the NFL season looms, attention will focus on the Patriots' special teams unit. All eyes will be on Joey Slye to see if he can translate his training camp success into consistent performance during the regular season. The Patriots' decision to bring in a seasoned veteran indicates a clear desire for stability and reliability in their kicking game—attributes they believe Slye is more than capable of providing.