For the second week in a row, the Arizona Cardinals are leaning on backup kicker Chad Ryland to make clutch plays in a high-stakes NFC showdown. With veteran Matt Prater sidelined by a knee injury, the Cards have elevated Ryland, who proved he’s more than ready to step up. In his season debut in Week 5, Ryland drilled a critical 35-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining to secure the Cardinals’ win over the San Francisco 49ers. The young kicker finished three-for-four on field goals, with an extra point to boot, and now he’s primed for another big role as the Cardinals take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.
Arizona’s offense also came to play last week, and Kyler Murray wasted no time making a statement, tearing off a 50-yard touchdown run to kick things off. Rookie Elijah Higgins sealed the deal in the fourth quarter, grabbing a clutch touchdown pass from Murray to squash the 49ers’ comeback hopes. Facing a Packers team known for their high-scoring games, the Cardinals need that same explosiveness to keep up and give Ryland a shot at another game-winner.
Ryland may be the “backup,” but with Prater’s return uncertain, this could be Ryland’s chance to secure a permanent role. As Arizona’s offense looks to unleash more of its firepower, Murray is expected to target Marvin Harrison Jr. more frequently. The rookie wideout was locked down by the 49ers’ defense last week, but he’s bound to be a factor as the Cards aim to put up points in Green Bay.
Ryland now has the spotlight on him and the chance to play hero in back-to-back games. If he keeps nailing those clutch kicks, he might just become Arizona’s go-to kicker, no backup title needed.
