New England Patriots rookie kicker Chad Ryland had a difficult day on Sunday, missing the potential game-tying field goal as the Patriots fell 10-7 to the New York Giants.
However, special teams veteran Brenden Schooler offered words of encouragement to Ryland.
It has been a difficult season for the Maryland product to begin his career. He has a 66.7 field goal percentage. It is worth noting the distance of his kicks. He has 10 attempts from 40-plus yards, which are not exactly layup attempts.
The game-winning attempt on Sunday sailed wide left, as the Patriots fell to 2-9 on the year. When asked what he said to Ryland after the game, Schooler revealed the conversation he had with the rookie specialist.
“‘Just keep your head up,'” Schooler told NESN.com. “‘I mean, you’re a great young kicker who’s just getting started in this league. So, you’re gonna have misses and you’re gonna have makes. Just remember this feeling and move on from it, and we’ve got your back, I got your back. Everyone on this team knows you’re a good kicker. So, just keep chugging along, and you’ll get better every week.'”
Ryland obviously has room to grow and develop only one season removed from college football. He also has the dubious task of filling the shoes of Nick Folk, who was a model of consistency during his time in New England
If anything, the missed field goal was a microcosm of what has been a difficult season overall for the Patriots.
