The New England Patriots faced a challenging Sunday as they struggled against the San Francisco 49ers, leaving few memorable moments for their fans. In a game characterized by their inability to gain momentum, one play stood out—an extraordinary 63-yard field goal by Joey Slye just before halftime.
Slye's Field Goal: A Rare Highlight
The Patriots decided to take a bold gamble by sending Slye out to attempt the 63-yard field goal, and he delivered magnificently. The successful kick not only secured the Patriots' only points of the first half but also tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history. Such feats are few and far between, making Slye’s precision strike a notable achievement in an otherwise lackluster game for New England.
Historical Context
Slye’s impressive field goal was the second-longest made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. This places him in rarefied air, surpassed only by Brandon Aubrey's 65-yard record kick for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season. Moreover, Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021, while Matt Prater secured the third-longest kick with a 64-yard effort back in 2013.
What makes Slye’s accomplishment even more remarkable is that it was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. Panther’s kicker Graham Gano was the last to achieve such a lengthy kick in similar conditions when he hit a 63-yard field goal to beat the Giants in 2018. Unlike Tucker’s and Aubrey's record-setting kicks made in indoor stadiums or Prater’s kick in the high altitude of Denver, Slye’s field goal adds to the limited list of 63-plus yard kicks accomplished outdoors but not in Denver.
Implications for the Patriots
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots were unable to capitalize on this moment of brilliance. Their offensive struggles persisted throughout the game, ultimately resulting in a disappointing Week 4 performance against the 49ers. The team’s inability to build on the momentum provided by Slye’s field goal reflects broader issues that need addressing if they hope to turn around their fortunes in the coming weeks.
As the Patriots look ahead, Slye's kick stands as a testament to his skill and precision, serving as a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult game. While the outcome was not in New England’s favor, Slye's remarkable field goal will be remembered as a highlight in the NFL’s long history of exceptional kicking performances. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adjust moving forward, but they will undoubtedly be reflecting on Slye’s moment of exceptionalism as they aim to improve their performance.