It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they struggled against the San Francisco 49ers, with few highlights to cherish. However, amidst the struggle, one play stood out—a remarkable field goal by kicker Joey Slye.
In a game where the Patriots found it difficult to gain any momentum, Slye provided a rare moment of brilliance just before halftime. The Patriots decided to take an audacious gamble by sending Slye out to attempt a 63-yard field goal, a decision that proved to be a rare high point for the team.
Slye drilled the 63-yard field goal, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half. The kick was an extraordinary feat, tying for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history and marking the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. This achievement places Slye in elite company among some of the best kickers in the league.
Brandon Aubrey recently set a 65-yard field goal record for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season, and Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Meanwhile, Matt Prater has the third-longest kick at 64 yards, accomplished in 2013.
Notably, Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, offering controlled conditions that typically favor kickers. Prater's field goal took place in Denver, a city renowned for its high altitude and thin air, which can also benefit long-distance kicking.
Slye’s 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018, a testament to his skill and precision. The last time such a feat was achieved outdoors was by Panthers kicker Graham Gano, who delivered a 63-yard kick in 2018 to beat the Giants. Slye's achievement stands out further as it was only the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn’t turn around their fortunes in Week 4, struggling to find their rhythm against a formidable 49ers lineup. The team now faces the challenge of making adjustments in the coming weeks to improve their performance.
Slye’s kick, however, offers a testament to his skill and precision and provided Patriots fans with a moment of exceptionalism in an otherwise tough outing against the 49ers. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adjust moving forward, but Joey Slye's remarkable kick will certainly be a bright spot to look back on from this game.