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. The Patriots' performance was far from their best, and they found it difficult to generate any significant momentum throughout the game.
However, one play stood out amidst the Patriots' otherwise lackluster showing: a remarkable field goal by Joey Slye. In a game devoid of offensive sparks, Slye provided a rare moment of brilliance just before halftime. The decision to send Slye out to attempt a 63-yard field goal was audacious, and it paid off handsomely.
Slye drilled the 63-yard field goal with precision, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half. This impressive kick tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history, as well as the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. The only longer field goal during this period was a 65-yard record-setting kick by Brandon Aubrey for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season.
While Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021, and Matt Prater boasts a 64-yard kick achieved in Denver's thin air back in 2013, Slye's kick still holds significant weight. It's noteworthy that both Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, whereas Prater’s was bolstered by Denver’s high altitude.
Slye's 63-yard field goal stands out as the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. The last kicker to achieve a 63-yard kick outdoors, not in Denver, was Panthers kicker Graham Gano, who nailed such a field goal in 2018 to beat the Giants. Slye’s kick, therefore, joins a select group of four field goals 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. The struggle against the 49ers was evident, and Slye's moment of exceptionalism stood as a solitary highlight in an otherwise disappointing game for New England.
Looking at the bigger picture, Slye’s successful kick is a testament to his skill and precision. Field goals of such a long distance are rare and require not only strength but an incredible degree of accuracy. Slye’s performance should give Patriots fans something to cheer about, even as the team faces challenges and adjustments in the coming weeks. His remarkable kick, aligning him with some of the top kickers in NFL history, demonstrates his potential and resilience.
Indeed, it remains to be seen how the Patriots will navigate their current struggles. But Joey Slye's 63-yard field goal, a historical moment in its own right, offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the extraordinary feats possible even in the most challenging of games. For now, fans can revel in the memory of Slye’s kick, one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult outing against the 49ers.
As the Patriots prepare for future matchups, Slye's standout moment will undoubtedly be a talking point. It underscores the importance of special teams and the impact a single, well-executed play can have on the morale and spirit of both the team and its supporters. Joey Slye's accomplishment on that tough Sunday is something the Patriots and their fans can hold onto, a symbol of grit and high-level athleticism in the face of adversity.