Bill Belichick Draft Bust’s Redemption Adds To Patriots’ Misery

New England Patriots fans who stayed up Monday night saw what looked like a career turnaround for an infamous draft pick.

Bill Belichick raised eyebrows when he and his staff selected Chad Ryland in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old made a miraculous game-winning kick on Christmas Day last year, but he notoriously was remembered for his blunders.

Ryland seemed to put that behind him when he nailed a game-winner Monday night to give the Arizona Cardinals the victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the second game-winning kick this season for Ryland, who’s made six of seven field goals and all four of his extra-point attempts in three games.

It was an incredible sight for Patriots fans to see, and while the kicking game is the least of New England’s problems, seeing any former player succeed still hurts when the team is at its lowest state. Jerod Mayo’s side will play the Cardinals in Week 15, and it seems like Ryland played his way to starter status after filling in for an injured Matt Prater.

There could be added insult to injury if Bailey Zappe led a game-winning drive for the Cleveland Browns.