It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers, struggling to find any significant highlights in a game that saw them outmatched on multiple fronts.
However, in the midst of a difficult outing, one play emerged as a rare moment of brilliance—a remarkable field goal by kicker Joey Slye.
In a game where the Patriots found it hard to gain any momentum, Slye provided a glimmer of hope just before halftime. The Patriots took an audacious gamble by sending Slye out to attempt a 63-yard field goal, an uncommon decision given the magnitude of the kick. Slye rose to the occasion, drilling the 63-yard field goal to secure the Patriots' only points of the first half.
The significance of Slye’s kick extends beyond the modest scoreline it produced. Not only did it tie for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history, but it was also the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. This feat places Joey Slye in the elite company of long-distance kickers.
Earlier this season, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey set a 65-yard field goal record, a milestone that now stands as the second-longest in NFL history. The all-time NFL record remains held by Justin Tucker, who launched a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021.
Matt Prater sits just behind Tucker with a 64-yard field goal accomplished in 2013, famously made in Denver, a city noted for its high altitude and thin air, conditions that can favor longer kicks.
The Context of Slye's Achievement
In contrast, Slye’s 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018—a gap of five years that underscores the difficulty of such a feat in open-air stadiums. Panthers kicker Graham Gano was the last to achieve a 63-yard kick outdoors, managing to beat the Giants in a dramatic game in 2018.
Slye’s kick stands out not only for its distance but also for the conditions under which it was made. It remains the fourth in NFL history executed outdoors at such a distance but not benefiting from the high altitude of Denver. Despite these impressive stats and the skill involved, Slye’s heroics were overshadowed by the Patriots' overall performance, which left much to be desired in Week 4.
A Moment of Exceptionalism Amid Struggles
The New England Patriots' struggles against the 49ers were evident, but Joey Slye gave them a moment of exceptionalism. His 63-yard field goal wasn't just a consolation score; it was a testament to his precision and skill as a kicker.
While the Patriots couldn't turn their fortunes around in this particular game, Slye’s kick offers a silver lining—an indication that they have a reliable and exceptional talent in their special teams unit. This could be a critical asset as they look to adjust and rebound in the coming weeks.
The focus now shifts to how the Patriots will leverage their unique assets and address their shortcomings moving forward. For now, Slye’s field goal serves as a reminder of the moments of brilliance that can emerge even in the toughest games.