This week’s DMV Star of the Week is Maryland kicker Chad Ryland.
In a 34-27 loss to #4 Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Ryland nailed two 50+ yard field goals in the first half and made his only attempted PAT.
Last year, Maryland lost by 41 points at home to Michigan in late November. In my preseason preview, I noted that in order to spell improvement this season, The Terps had to close the gap in games against the Big Ten’s best. Well, it’s not a win, but this is remarkable improvement and it’s thanks in large part to the effort of Ryland.
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Ryland’s 53 yard field goal make in the first quarter is tied for the sixth longest conversion in the country this season. He followed up the boot with a 52 yarder in the second quarter, tied for the tenth longest field goal in 2022.
Ryland is emerging as one of the best kickers in the country and is perfect on the year, making all 17 attempted PAT’s and is 5/5 on field goals, including 4/4 from 40+. He’s not just making gimme’s…he’s making bombs.
The DMV saw four teams in action this past week, including The Washington Commanders, Washington Nationals, Washington Spirit, and Maryland football team. Not a great week for the metro as the only wins of the week came from The Nationals, of which they won two of six games.
Here are some honorable mention performances for DMV Star of the Week:
This feels weird but an honorable mention goes to the entire Washington Commanders defense. Yes, they surrendered 24 points to the Eagles on Sunday but all points were scored in the second quarter and the defense scored the teams first points of the day with a safety in the fourth quarter. For the first time this season, the defense was not why Washington lost.
Washington Nationals first baseman Joey Meneses played in every game last week for the Nats and recorded at least one hit each night, finishing the week with a 11/25 (.440 avg.) with 7 RBI’s.
Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin was perhaps the only bright spot offensively, securing 6 receptions for 102 yards.
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