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. Amid a challenging outing, 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, in a particularly audacious gamble, sent Slye out to attempt a 63-yard field goal. The decision paid off spectacularly as Slye drilled the 63-yard kick, securing the Patriots' only points of the first half.
Remarkably, this kick tied for the fourth-longest field goal in NFL history. Additionally, it was the second-longest field goal made by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season, with Brandon Aubrey setting a 65-yard field goal record for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season.
To put Slye's achievement into further context, Justin Tucker holds the NFL record with a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Meanwhile, Matt Prater secured the third-longest kick at 64 yards back in 2013. It’s noteworthy that Tucker’s and Aubrey's record-setting kicks were made indoors, while Prater's occurred in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air.
Slye’s 63-yard field goal is particularly impressive as it marks the longest outdoor field goal in the NFL since 2018. The last kicker to accomplish such a feat was Panthers kicker Graham Gano, who also achieved a 63-yard kick in 2018 to beat the Giants.
In fact, Slye’s field goal was just the fourth in NFL history from 63 yards or longer executed outdoors but not in Denver. This adds a layer of difficulty and prestige to Slye’s accomplishment, highlighting not only his powerful leg but also his precision and skill in executing such a kick under challenging conditions.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots couldn't turn around their fortunes in Week 4. The team struggled to find any rhythm or consistency, ultimately succumbing to a dominant 49ers squad. As the Patriots reflect on their performance, Slye’s kick stands out as a beacon of exceptionalism and hope amidst an otherwise disappointing game.
How the Patriots will adjust in the coming weeks remains to be seen. There’s no doubt that Slye’s remarkable kick will be remembered as a testament to his exceptional talent and an example of the moments of brilliance that can shine through even during the most challenging times on the field.
Throughout the game, the Patriots faced numerous obstacles, and while their offense and defense had difficulty gaining traction against the powerful 49ers, Slye’s performance provided a much-needed highlight. For fans and analysts alike, his 63-yard field goal served as a reminder that NFL games can deliver unexpected and thrilling moments, regardless of the final score.
Ultimately, Joey Slye gave the Patriots a moment of exceptionalism, an instance that will be remembered alongside the lengthy history of remarkable field goals in the NFL. His contribution might not have changed the outcome of the game, but it certainly added a memorable chapter to the story of the 2023 NFL season.