When the New England Patriots selected Chad Ryland in the NFL Draft, the organization had high hopes for him as their kicker of the future. However, after just one tumultuous year, the Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing rookie season where Ryland amassed only a 64% field goal success rate, converting 16 out of 25 attempts. This performance placed him last in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage.
Ryland's Struggles on the Field
During his rookie season, Ryland managed to lead the Patriots in scoring, amassing 72 points, but consistency was his Achilles' heel. One significant area of concern was his performance on longer field goals. From beyond 45 yards, Ryland made just 45.5% of his attempts, successfully converting only 5 out of 11 kicks. This inefficiency in crucial situations cast a shadow over his overall contributions to the team.
Competition Heats Up in Training Camp
Recognizing the need for improvement, the Patriots brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye during training camp. Slye, who has six years of NFL experience, quickly made his presence felt. "Slye outkicked Ryland in camp by hitting nearly 80% of his kicks compared to just 75.9% for Ryland," noted 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. This stark contrast in performance during camp ultimately led to the decision to move forward with Slye as the team's kicker.
Slye's track record speaks volumes. During camp, he converted eight of nine kicks between 50 and 59 yards, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and make crucial long-distance kicks. In comparison, Ryland struggled with consistency, hitting just three of seven from the same range. It became evident that Slye was the more reliable option for the Patriots as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Slye's NFL Journey
Joey Slye's journey in the NFL has been a winding road. 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 with Washington spanned two-and-a-half seasons until the Commanders decided to let him walk in free agency. The Patriots are now the sixth team that Slye has joined in his career, and he hopes to make a lasting impact in New England.
The Final Chapter for Ryland
For Chad Ryland, this marks a swift and unexpected end to his time with the Patriots. His selection as the final kicker drafted by Bill Belichick added a layer of pressure that he ultimately couldn't overcome. ESPN.com succinctly captured the sentiment: "The Patriots have decided to cut ties with Ryland after just one year." As teams across the league finalize their rosters, Ryland will need to regroup and find a new opportunity to showcase his talents.
With the NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will now be on the Patriots' special teams to see if Joey Slye can carry his training camp momentum into the regular season. His performance will be crucial as the team aims to rebound and make a strong push in a highly competitive league. The decision to part ways with Ryland and place their faith in Slye underscores the importance of consistency and reliability in the NFL, where margins for error are slim and every point can make a difference.