The New England Patriots entered the 2024 NFL season after making some big changes. Most notably, New England is no longer served by legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Thus, while a 1-3 start is not what the team desires, it is understandable.

On the bright side, the Patriots got a stout showing from placekicker Joey Slye against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Slye's stellar field goal has drawn a decisive move from the NFL.

The Patriots trailed the 49ers 20-0 with three seconds left in the first half when Joey Slye kicked an impressive team-record 63-yard field goal that put New England on the board. One day later, Slye was “randomly” selected for a PED test, the Patriots kicker revealed on Instagram.

The timing of Slye's test might suggest the league wants to make sure his performance was not a fluke.

2024 is Joey Slye's first year with the Patriots. He joined the team after spending three seasons with the Washington Commanders. Before that, he played a season apiece with the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans and began his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2019.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table,’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks the to media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel sounds off on viral Stefon Diggs boat videoBenedetto Vitale ·

Through the first four games of 2024, Slye holds a field-goal percentage of 88.9, an extra-point percentage of 100, has amassed 28 points, and kicked his longest field goal of the season at 63 yards on Sunday. New England will continue to need his efforts as they battle through the rest of the season.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Patriots is the quarterback position battle. Jacoby Brissett is the team's QB1. However, New England's early struggles have fans questioning if first-round draft pick Drake Maye should get a shot. Nevertheless, Jerod Mayo affirmed that the team is going with Brissett going forward on Monday:

“Jacoby is 100% our starter, and that's how we're going to look at this going forward,” Mayo said,
per Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Surely, Brissett and the rest of the Patriots will gain momentum at some point as the early part of the season continues.