In what some fans might call a surprising move, Bill Belichick’s last hurrah with the Patriots involved a potentially ill-fated gamble: selecting kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round of last year’s draft. To say it didn’t pan out as expected would be an understatement.
A Rookie Season to Forget
Ryland’s rookie season was, quite frankly, a rollercoaster ride. His struggles served as a prelude to Belichick’s unexpected exit. According to reports, the Patriots are waving goodbye to Ryland on Tuesday, opening the door for Joey Slye to take over the kicking duties.
The Competition
This summer saw a fierce competition between Ryland and Slye, but it’s clear now that Slye has won the **kicker spot**. It’s not hard to see why. Ryland’s numbers were anything but stellar:
- Field Goals: 16-of-25
- 30 to 49 Yards: Just 10-of-17
- Extra Points: 24-of-25
Those stats might raise eyebrows, but they ultimately sealed Ryland’s fate.
A Kicker’s Nightmare
Picture this: It’s a crisp autumn day at Gillette Stadium, the crowd holding its breath as Ryland lines up for what should be a routine 35-yard field goal. Instead, the ball veers wide right, and a chorus of groans fills the stands. One miss might be a fluke, but when it becomes a pattern, trouble’s brewing.
Looking Ahead
Will Joey Slye be the Patriots’ kicking savior? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, though: Ryland’s struggles have left an indelible mark on the Patriots’ decision-making process. And as they wave farewell to him, they’re hoping to find more consistency in their special teams.
