It was a challenging Sunday for the New England Patriots as they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers. The game was marked by a lack of highlights, with the Patriots struggling to gain any significant momentum. One of the very few moments that stood out was a remarkable field goal by Joey Slye.
The Patriots faced an uphill battle from the outset. Yet, amidst the struggles, Slye delivered a moment of exceptionalism just before halftime. In an audacious move, the Patriots decided to send Slye out to attempt a 63-yard field goal. The atmosphere was tense; the odds were long. But Slye drilled the kick, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half.
This 63-yard field goal was not just any routine score. It tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history, showcasing Slye’s remarkable skill and precision. Furthermore, it was 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. The NFL record is held by Justin Tucker, who nailed a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Matt Prater holds the third-longest kick at 64 yards, achieved in 2013.
What makes Slye’s field goal even more impressive is the context. Tucker’s and Aubrey’s long kicks were both made indoors, while Prater’s record-setting field goal took place in Denver, a city renowned for its high altitude and thin air. Slye’s 63-yard field goal, in contrast, was the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018, when Panthers kicker Graham Gano hit a 63-yarder to beat the Giants. Slye’s kick is only the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots found no path to victory in Week 4. The inability to convert opportunities into points and the persistent offensive struggles were evident throughout the game. Slye’s field goal, while a bright spot, was not enough to alter the course of the game.
The focus now shifts to how the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks. Games are won and lost through collective effort, and while Slye’s impressive feat provides a moment of reflection on individual brilliance, the Patriots will need a more cohesive performance to turn their fortunes around.
Slye’s accomplishment underscores his exceptional ability and provides a testament to his skill and precision as a kicker. However, as the Patriots continue their campaign, the team’s broader adjustments and improvements will be critical in achieving more favorable outcomes. For now, Joey Slye can take pride in his incredible 63-yard field goal—a rare highlight in what was otherwise a tough Sunday for the New England Patriots.