It was a tough Sunday for the New England Patriots as they struggled against the San Francisco 49ers, with very few highlights to speak of. One play stood out—a remarkable field goal by Joey Slye.
In a game where the Patriots found it hard 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 staggering 63-yard field goal. In a display of remarkable skill and precision, Slye drilled the 63-yard field goal and secured the Patriots' only points of the first half.
The kick by Slye tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history and was the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. Notably, Brandon Aubrey set a 65-yard field goal record for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season, demonstrating the increasing range of NFL kickers.
Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a stunning 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Following closely is Matt Prater, who accomplished a 64-yard kick in 2013. It is worth noting that Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, whereas Prater's field goal took place in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air that can aid longer kicks.
Slye’s remarkable 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018 when Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick to beat the Giants. Furthermore, Slye's field goal was the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver, underscoring the significance of his achievement.
Despite Slye’s heroics and providing a brief spark of excitement for the Patriots, the team couldn’t turn around their fortunes in Week 4. The offensive struggles continued, and the Patriots couldn't muster enough to fight off the 49ers’ potent attack.
Slye’s kick offers a testament to his skill and precision, becoming a highlight in what was otherwise a difficult outing for the Patriots against the formidable San Francisco team. The Patriots now face the challenge of adjusting in the coming weeks to find greater consistency and success on the field.
While Joey Slye's remarkable field goal stands out as a moment of exceptionalism, the emphasis must now shift to how the Patriots can leverage such individual talents to build a more cohesive and effective team strategy as the season progresses. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be telling for the franchise as they seek to chart a course back to winning ways.