The New England Patriots faced a challenging Sunday, scuffling against the San Francisco 49ers with only a few bright spots to recount. One standout moment, however, came from kicker Joey Slye, whose extraordinary field goal offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak game for the Patriots.
As the first half neared its conclusion, the Patriots, in a rare moment of aggression, decided to send Slye out to attempt a daring 63-yard field goal. The gamble paid off spectacularly, providing the Patriots with their sole points of the first half as Slye drilled the long-distance kick with astonishing precision.
This impressive field goal not only energized Patriots fans but also etched Slye's name in the annals of NFL history. The 63-yard achievement tied for the fourth-longest field goal ever made in the league. Furthermore, it was the second-longest field goal successfully executed by any kicker since the start of the 2022 season.
To put Slye's feat into perspective, Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys kicked a 65-yard field goal earlier this season, setting a new benchmark. However, the all-time NFL record is still held by Justin Tucker, who delivered a jaw-dropping 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in September 2021. Matt Prater also stands prominently in the record books with a 64-yard kick made in 2013.
What distinguishes Slye’s field goal is the conditions under which it was made. While Tucker’s and Aubrey's record-setting kicks were executed indoors, and Prater's 64-yard field goal took place in Denver—a city known for its high altitude and thin air—Slye’s kick was forged in outdoor conditions, making it the longest outdoor field goal since 2018.
In fact, the last time anyone achieved such a feat outdoors was in 2018 when Panthers kicker Graham Gano hit a 63-yard field goal to secure a victory against the New York Giants. Slye’s successful conversion thus marks the fourth instance in NFL history of a 63-yard (or longer) field goal being made outdoors and outside of Denver, adding a layer of gravitas to his accomplishment.
Despite Slye’s heroics, the Patriots were unable to leverage this momentum into a turnaround performance. The team continued to struggle and couldn't alter their fortunes in Week 4 against a dominant 49ers outfit. The game underscored the myriad issues facing the Patriots, issues that now demand urgent attention if the team is to find a path to recovery in the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, Slye’s electric moment remains a testament to his remarkable skill and precision under pressure. His kick on that tough Sunday will be remembered as a shining moment of exceptionalism in an otherwise difficult game for the Patriots.