Slater's Sunset: An Appreciation

[RSN Diaspora]

While it will get most of the attention on Sunday, I remain skeptical (though not dismissive of the idea) that this is going to be Belichick's last in Foxboro. But I do think that this is likely Matthew Slater's final game in the NFL. With the possible exception of Mosi Tatupu (who played much more offense than Slater did), there isn't any special teams player that has meant as much to this franchise or come close to the job he's done. There are tons of examples of his stellar play, but I was fortunate enough to go to Super Bowl LIII and sat near the Rams' endzone. Midway through a tense third quarter where the Pats were clinging to a 3-0 lead, Brady threw an incomplete pass to Edelman on 3rd and 2 from our 49, leading to a punt. Ryan Allen put it deep, but the ball was bouncing toward the endzone until Slater positioned himself at the two-yard line to grab the ball and stood like a statue with it, pinning the Rams deep. My brother and I looked to see who caught it, then looked at each other and each said "Of course":



(Video: https://x.com/GooseOnBass/status/1094286313497481217)

There were a lot of "of course" moments in his career--I remember games against the Dolphins and Jets where punts that were sure to be touchbacks were tossed back into the field of play right before the goal line. And while it was luck, when Slater called heads in the overtime of Super Bowl LI and the Pats won the toss, you just knew they were gonna win the game. If this is it for Slater, he retires as a certain Patriots Hall of Famer, and may even have an argument for Canton.

Fair winds and following seas to an all-time great Patriot.

 

[brandonchristensen]

Slater is awesome, a Hall of Fame Patriot and possibly the NFL too. Incredibly important to the franchise, and I wonder how he's felt about this multi-year slide they've been on.

 

[Ale Xander]

Minor nitpick on “special teams player meant to this franchise”
Adam Vinatieri

Carry on

 

[RSN Diaspora]

Minor nitpick on “special teams player meant to this franchise”
Adam Vinatieri

Carry on

Fuck, it's easy to forget that kickers are special teamers too rather than on an island of their own, but you're right.

 

[BaseballJones]

I was honestly surprised when he came back for 2023 and I’ll be absolutely stunned if he comes back for 2024, though let’s be honest: it sure looks like this team really needs his leadership.

An all time great player and solid citizen.

 

[Scott Cooper's Grand Slam]

The Ringer published a profile on Slater just prior to the play @RSN Diaspora highlights. It begins:

He has the résumé of a Hall of Famer and the star power of a guy cut in Episode 2 of Hard Knocks. Matthew Slater has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times—as many times as Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson, and more times than Troy Aikman and Randy Moss. He has been recognized as a Pro Football Writers’ first-team All-Pro four times—once more than his GOAT teammate, Tom Brady. And yet he is relatively anonymous: He doesn’t put up massive stats, he rarely makes highlight-reel plays, and I’ve never seen anybody wearing his jersey. Slater is to the great moments of the late-era Patriots dynasty what Forrest Gump was to the pivotal events of the 1960s: Look closely at every pregame captain’s meeting, confetti-causing kneeldown, and triumphant trophy lift—you’ll find him.

I'd call him an "unsung hero," but he's been a household name among Patriots fans for the last decade. Say what you want about roster construction when you've got the GOAT QB and TE in your ranks, but it felt like a real luxury having special teams aces like Bademosi, Ebner, and Slater proving again that BB was serious about execution in all three phases.

 

[mikeford]

if the football hall of fame is truly meant to represent THE GAME as a whole then Slater HAS to be in there.

 

[tims4wins]

if the football hall of fame is truly meant to represent THE GAME as a whole then Slater HAS to be in there.

I actually kind of disagree that he should make the HoF.

Slater has been a great player. He's had longevity. He is a model of consistency. He seems like a great human, teammate, and leader. He's made a ton of special teams tackles.

However... despite playing in a million playoff games, I'm not sure he has ever made a big play. And that kind of thing matters. He's downed some punts, he probably made a big block (or five) on a kickoff or punt return. But I can't think back on the dynasty years and recall a single BIG play he made, whereas I can list dozens, hundreds from other areas of the team.

 

[Hoya81]

if the football hall of fame is truly meant to represent THE GAME as a whole then Slater HAS to be in there.

Being the son of another HoF’er probably improves his case a bit, as they would be the first father/son player duo in the Hall.

 

[JOBU]

An all time great player and solid citizen.

AWWW YEEEAAAAH!

 

[BigJimEd]

I'm hoping Slater scores the only touchdown in a losing effort.

 

[joe dokes]

I actually kind of disagree that he should make the HoF.

Slater has been a great player. He's had longevity. He is a model of consistency. He seems like a great human, teammate, and leader. He's made a ton of special teams tackles.

However... despite playing in a million playoff games, I'm not sure he has ever made a big play. And that kind of thing matters. He's downed some punts, he probably made a big block (or five) on a kickoff or punt return. But I can't think back on the dynasty years and recall a single BIG play he made, whereas I can list dozens, hundreds from other areas of the team.

I dont know whether he's a HoFer, though BB has a point about him being one of the best ever at his "position." But there's a limitation to your "big play" point (while true) that might really hurt offensive linemen for consideration.

That said, I hope he catches a pass on Sunday.

 

[tims4wins]

I dont know whether he's a HoFer, though BB has a point about him being one of the best ever at his "position." But there's a limitation to your "big play" point (while true) that might really hurt offensive linemen for consideration.

That said, I hope he catches a pass on Sunday.

No argument

 

[Bowhemian]

I dont know whether he's a HoFer, though BB has a point about him being one of the best ever at his "position." But there's a limitation to your "big play" point (while true) that might really hurt offensive linemen for consideration.

That said, I hope he catches a pass on Sunday.

I half expect Slater to do something unusual on Sunday (especially if they are losing).
Drop kick extra point?
Wildcat QB?
Have a short TD pass thrown his way?

 

[Justthetippett]

I half expect Slater to do something unusual on Sunday (especially if they are losing).
Drop kick extra point?
Wildcat QB?
Have a short TD pass thrown his way?

It would be great if he runs a few deep routes on offense and lines up at FS on D. All three phases...

 

[joe dokes]

It would be great if he runs a few deep routes on offense and lines up at FS on D. All three phases...

More likely, he'll just down a punt at the 2 and stroll off into the tunnel.

 

[WheresDewey]

I think Slater belongs in the HoF and so does Tasker. If this really is his last season, I wonder if he's interested in being Special Teams coach next year.

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

I think Slater belongs in the HoF and so does Tasker. If this really is his last season, I wonder if he's interested in being Special Teams coach next year.

I’d be surprised if he didn’t immediately have a media gig if he wanted it.

 

[Garshaparra]

I’d be surprised if he didn’t immediately have a media gig if he wanted it.

I recall him saying he wished to be a leader of young men post-football, in education, or perhaps as a Christian minister or pastor.

 

[dynomite]

Love the opening post about Slater’s on field play.

What goes a long way with me is Belichick’s overwhelming praise for Slater — he’s even called him “the perfect player.” As much as anyone, Slater seems to be the ultimate teammate, the quintessential professional among professionals.

I’m not certain that his off field role gets him in the Hall of Fame — Kickers have enough trouble getting into Canton, and they literally win Super Bowls and lead the league in scoring. Still, I hope he makes it, and I doubt any coaches or players would have a single negative word to say about it if he did.

From the Athletic:

“He’s just about the perfect player,” Belichick said. “He does everything you want him to do for your team. He’s the first guy in, last one out, and is a minimal play-time player in terms of the total number of plays he plays, but the way he trains, the way he prepares, communicates — he does everything he can to help the team.

“(He) has tremendous, total respect from everybody in the organization,” Belichick continued. “Players, coaches, staff, you name it. And he’s earned it. He earns it every day. Every day he comes in like he might get cut that day. Prepares and practices and performs like, ‘If I don’t do good today, I might not be here tomorrow.’ That’s a tremendous attitude.”

 

[twibnotes]

Love Slater the special teamer, and I suspect his role as a locker room leader carries massive (though hard to quantify) value

I saw him speak at a charity event a year ago, and he was incredible. His love for his teammates and overall sense of purpose was clear…and he’s an amazing communicator. At the event, McCourty spoke first and was super impressive…but then came Slater and WOW.

 

[NomarsFool]

Being a designated special teamer wouldn’t seem to be particularly taxing on the body, I mean I’m not saying it’s delivering the mail, but he’s also not dueling it out in the Dline for 30 snaps a game. So, it wouldn’t be completely shocking if he came back for another season as sort of ST player/coach. The unfortunate thing about players like him is that ST has been so nerfed by the league, particularly the kickoff. I know we just had a KO return last week, but I almost wonder why the NFL even bothers with the play at all any more. We basically see touchbacks like 80% of the time and sometimes they don’t even show the kickoff on television.

 

[BusRaker]

More likely, he'll just down a punt at the 2 and stroll off into the tunnel.

Doug Flutie disagrees

 

[Ale Xander]

Slater in the original envisioned Easterby role perhaps not a bad idea?
(but yeah ST coach is better)

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

3778 career snaps, 94% on special teams. 1 career reception, 2 rushing attempts.

maybe they could let him return a kick, something he hasn’t done since 2016.

 

[j44thor]

Let him catch a pass, return a kick, play a couple snaps at S and kick an extra point.

 

[jacklamabe65]

Hannah, Brady, and Slater. Three all-timers.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Hannah, Brady, and Slater. Three all-timers.

And Tippett for the defense to round things out!

 

[Ale Xander]

And Tippett for the defense to round things out!

Who’s the fourth guy on Pats Rushmore,
Gronk, Vinatieri, , Slater, Law, Seymour, or Edelman?

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Who’s the fourth guy on Pats Rushmore,
Gronk, Vinatieri, , Slater, Law, Seymour, or Edelman?

It's a tough question and I'd probably also add Mike Haynes to that mix. Hmmmm...

Probably Gronk.

 

[tims4wins]

Let him catch a pass, return a kick, play a couple snaps at S and kick an extra point.

Yeah this. Throw him a slip screen. Let him run an end around. Let him play safety for a few snaps. Let him return a kickoff. Hell let him throw a pass. All the things.

 

[Al Zarilla]

Yeah this. Throw him a slip screen. Let him run an end around. Let him play safety for a few snaps. Let him return a kickoff. Hell let him throw a pass. All the things.

maybe they could let him return a kick, something he hasn’t done since 2016.

I don’t know if BB would risk Slater getting hurt at a position or play at which he hasn’t practiced in a potential last game.

 

[Ale Xander]

I don’t know if BB would risk Slater getting hurt at a position or play at which he hasn’t practiced in a potential last game.

If he is retiring (and has told BB so) what’s the harm?

 

[Al Zarilla]

If he is retiring (and has told BB so) what’s the harm?

Hate to see him carted off or anything like that. Flutie’s dropkick, for example, had very little risk.

Thinking through it a little more though, what he’s exposed himself to on special teams play over the years might be more dangerous than some special play(s) they’d devise for him tomorrow. We’ll see.

 

[SWHB]

Slater seems like the type who just wants to do his job as well as he can, not sure he'd prefer to do anything special as opposed to go out the way he does every week.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

3778 career snaps, 94% on special teams. 1 career reception, 2 rushing attempts.

maybe they could let him return a kick, something he hasn’t done since 2016.

Chris Price suggested they may have something dialed up:

View: https://twitter.com/cpriceglobe/status/1743281088938565698?s=46&t=1S4eWjX_rzBBrpPNddRPAg

 

[NomarsFool]

Interesting, it seems so non BB to do anything that’s not in the interest of winning the football game.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Interesting, it seems so non BB to do anything that’s not in the interest of winning the football game.

I mean, I don’t think Slater is gonna play a half at QB. He knew Flutie could hit that drop kick v MIA in 2006, and even if he didn’t and the miss contributed to the Pats losing it isn’t like the game mattered. If the Pats are up ten in the late fourth on the goal line and he hands the ball to Slater what does it matter? It’s ok to have fun/give a guy like Slater a moment in the right circumstances.

Incidentally, this seems like yet even more confirmation this is it for Slater:

View: https://twitter.com/zackcoxnesn/status/1744014199611678797?s=46&t=1S4eWjX_rzBBrpPNddRPAg

 

[Jim Ed Rice in HOF]

The other thing with the Flutie kick is we know what a football history guy Belichick is. Having a drop kick happen during his tenure must have made him giddy.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Reiss on Slater this morning
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39252386/will-sunday-patriots-captain-matthew-slater-last-game

 

[BaseballJones]

I’m proud to say that there’s a lot of great stuff on Slater in my book, 53rd Man. I am honored that he would share his story with me and let me pass it on to others. I have immense respect for him.

 

[8slim]

Love Slater, for all the reasons people have expressed. Patriot HoFer for sure.

He won’t make Canton. I mean, there are literally a hundred guys who should be in that Hall who aren’t because of their bizarre induction process. There’s zero chance Slater gets in because of that.

 

[BaseballJones]

Seems to me Canton is the hardest HOF to get into. So many great players aren’t in.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Brady salutes Slater

View: https://twitter.com/ZackCoxNESN/status/1744048281804562568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1744048281804562568%7Ctwgr%5Ef5f871681b67c1d99ad0c8a82990c2e9f4d97b4a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boston.com%2Fsports%2Fnew-england-patriots%2F2024%2F01%2F07%2Fmatthew-slater-retirement-new-england-patriots-warmups-hoodie%2F

 

[RSN Diaspora]

All the feels

 

[E5 Yaz]

Peter King can screw up anything (posted for posterity before it gets edited)

New England’s Matthew Slater, one of the best special-teams players of all time, played what is very likely the final game of his 16-year NFL career against the Jets Sunday, at age 38. Patriots owner Robert Kraft told Slater he was free to invite those closest to him to sit in the owner’s box for the Jets-Pats game. Slater, who has worn number 18 as a professional since being the 18th pick in the first round in 2008, invited 18 people.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/fmia/news/buffalo-josh-allen-green-bay-jordan-love-nfl-playoffs-peter-king-fmia-week-18?cid=nbcsports

 

[BaseballJones]

Peter King can screw up anything (posted for posterity before it gets edited)


https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/fmia/news/buffalo-josh-allen-green-bay-jordan-love-nfl-playoffs-peter-king-fmia-week-18?cid=nbcsports

LOL 18th pick in the first round. Obviously a "slip of the tongue" and he meant FIFTH round. (yes he was the 18th pick of the fifth round). I have to assume King knew that and this was just some little gaffe somehow.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

Who says Bill can't draft receivers in the first round?

 

[Curt S Loew]

I have to assume King knew that and this was just some little gaffe somehow.

I would assume he definitely had to look it up and still screwed up.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

LOL 18th pick in the first round. Obviously a "slip of the tongue" and he meant FIFTH round. (yes he was the 18th pick of the fifth round). I have to assume King knew that and this was just some little gaffe somehow.

I think he was the 20th pick of round 5 of the 2008 draft.

EDIT: No, two picks were forfeited.