Last season, New England Patriots kicker Chad Ryland was statistically the worst player in the league at his position.
As a rookie, he made just 64% of his field goal attempts, including 50% beyond 40 yards.
This offseason, the Patriots have brought in veteran kicker Joey Slye to compete with Ryland for the job, but the incumbent isn't running away from the test.
"I'm no coward to a challenge," Ryland said about his future while speaking after Wednesday's organized team activities.
Ryland attempted five field goals at the end of practice, nailing four of them, but the final attempt (his only from beyond 40 yards) was wide right.
If the former Maryland kicker wants to win this job, he's going to show a lot of improvement. A team that's struggling to win games can't afford to be giving away points like he was last year.
