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, amidst the challenge of the gridiron battle, 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. Against all odds, Slye drilled the 63-yard field goal, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half.
The kick was a significant achievement, tying for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history. Moreover, it became the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season. Earlier this season, Brandon Aubrey set a new benchmark with a 65-yard field goal for the Dallas Cowboys.
While Justin Tucker holds the current NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021, Slye's kick still carries substantial weight. Matt Prater, another elite kicker, holds the third-longest kick at 64 yards, achieved in Denver in 2013. Notably, Tucker’s and Aubrey's long kicks were made indoors, while Prater’s took place in Denver, a city known for its high altitude and thin air, making such feats somewhat more attainable.
Slye’s 63-yard field goal was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018, a noteworthy achievement in itself. That year, Panthers kicker Graham Gano accomplished a 63-yard kick against the Giants, carving his name into history. Slye’s effort now becomes the fourth field goal in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors and not in Denver.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn’t turn around their fortunes in Week 4. The team struggled to build any significant momentum against a formidable 49ers squad. It remains to be seen how the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks, but Slye’s kick offers a testament to his skill and precision under pressure.
Joey Slye gave the Patriots a moment of exceptionalism, a brief highlight in an otherwise challenging contest. His performance underlined the importance of precision and power in one of the game’s most specialized and high-pressure roles. Slye stood tall when called upon, delivering a kick that will be remembered despite the broader context of the game.
The Patriots had a tough outing against the 49ers, but in Slye, they have a kicker capable of extraordinary feats. It’s moments like these—isolated achievements amidst collective struggles—that keep the spirit of competition alive and fans hopeful for future successes. As the season progresses, Joey Slye's 63-yard field goal will remain a bright spot in the memory of Patriots fans, a testament to the sheer talent and resolve of an elite NFL kicker.