The third-year kicker, who was replaced after one year in New England after making 16 of 25 field goals, has been up front when asked about his misses.
“Every kick I’m surprised (if I miss),” Ryland said Sunday. “You’ve been around me long enough to know me and my mental state in terms of how I approach my job each day. (Sunday) wasn’t good enough no matter how you cut it. Every time I go out there I expect to make it.
“That’s what comes with being a kicker in the NFL. You have good days and bad days, but you make the conscious decision to have the right mindset, and rock and roll.”
Ryland is scheduled to be a restricted free agent after the season, according to overthecap.com.
Prior to the news Tuesday, special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers called Ryland a “pro” who understands the job description of a kicker and is “an accountable guy” who works hard.
“It’s disappointing when it doesn’t happen for whatever reason – operation, protection, kicker, whatever,” Rodgers said. “(The Falcons game) did start off well … there were positives and negatives. I try to not focus too much on results and being consistent on technique, process, reps. I thought last Thursday was one of (Chad’s) better days striking the ball. On game day, we’ve got to be able to make those kicks, and we have to be good around him as well.”