Patriots Have No Choice But to Cut Starter After Week 15 Embarrassment

In the aftermath of a 30-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, there is no shortage of blame to go around the New England Patriots locker room following the team's 11th defeat of the season.

Unfortunately, one Patriot has consistently been on the receiving end of criticism – kicker Joey Slye. On New England's opening drive, the Patriots were able to move the ball into Arizona territory to set up a 53-yard attempt for Slye. With an opportunity to put New England on the board first, Slye sailed his attempt wide left.

Even accounting for the 50-yarder that Slye made late in the second quarter, the veteran is still a lousy four for his last eight field goal attempts. His 76.7 field goal percentage is a career low in his six NFL seasons.

To add some salt to the wound, former Patriots kicker Chad Ryland knocked through all three field goal attempts for Arizona – including a 49-yarder – and three extra points against New England on Sunday. Ryland – a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2023 – was released at the conclusion of the preseason in favor of Slye after only one season with the team. Ryland's 2024 field goal percentage following Sunday's game sits at 85.7 percent.

Up until last season, Patriots fans had been spoiled by impressive consistency at kicker with the reliable right legs of Adam Vinatieri, Stephen Gostkowski, and Nick Folk. New England traded Folk after the 2023 preseason and elected to move forward with Ryland. Folk has converted 95.5 percent of his field goals for the Tennessee Titans in 2024 – only missing a lone field goal attempt.

Given his struggles, it would not be far-fetched to suggest that Slye's job could be in jeopardy. On Tuesday, the Patriots signed kicker John Parker Romo to their practice squad. Romo filled in for Minnesota Vikings Kicker Will Reichard for four games this season, making 11 of 12 field goals with a long of 55. Interestingly, Romo is also the all time XFL field goal leader.

With the signing of Romo, it appeared the door could be open for Slye's departure should his struggles continue. After another miss on Sunday, that door might just be open wide enough.

More New England Patriots News: