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. However, 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 63-yard field goal. Slye drilled the 63-yard attempt and secured the Patriots' only points of the first half.
The significance of this kick cannot be understated. Slye's kick 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. It was a remarkable feat considering the context of the game and the conditions under which it was made.
Brandon Aubrey set a 65-yard field goal record for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season, but that kick was made indoors. Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021, also an indoor event. Matt Prater's 64-yard kick in 2013 was executed in Denver, a city known for its high altitude and thin air, which is conducive to longer kicks.
Slye’s 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. Panthers kicker Graham Gano achieved a 63-yard kick in 2018 to beat the Giants. This makes Slye’s field goal the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver, adding to the impressiveness of his achievement.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn’t turn around their fortunes in Week 4 and struggled to find their rhythm against a formidable 49ers defense. The team will need to assess and improve as the season progresses.
Slye’s kick offers a testament to his skill and precision, standing out as a rare highlight for the Patriots. While the team had a tough outing against the 49ers, Joey Slye gave the Patriots a moment of exceptionalism to cherish.
The Patriots' faithful will undoubtedly hold onto the memory of this kick, hoping it foreshadows better days ahead for the franchise.