Terps in the NFL: Ryland boots game-winner

Here’s how former Maryland football players performed in the NFL this past week.

Despite missing an earlier extra point, New England Patriots kicker Chad Ryland was given a chance at redemption with 10 seconds left in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots worked themselves to the opposing 38-yard line. Although Ryland already missing two kicks, they sent him back out for a chance to win it from 56 yards out, and he delivered.

Ryland has had a tough rookie campaign, with one of the lowest kicking percentages in the league. But when the chips were down in Denver, he stepped up.

Also finding some redemption on Sunday was Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, who found the end zone for the first time this year.

Okonkwo burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie, but has struggled to produce in his sophomore season. On Christmas Eve, Okonkwo had a season-high six receptions and 63 yards, including a touchdown.

Titans rookie offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan left Sunday’s game with a wrist injury. In his limited snaps, he recorded his worst Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade of the season.

After his first career interception in the previous week against the Steelers, Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross saw his highest snap share of the season, playing 86% of available snaps at safety. Cross had five tackles and only allowed a single reception on two targets.

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs both struggled with under 30 receiving yards in their respective games. Diggs has seen an especially significant decrease in targets in the second half of the season.

New York Giants rookie cornerback Deonte Banks continues to succeed in coverage. According to PFF, he allowed only three receptions for 17 yards and made six total tackles against the Philadelphia Eagles. Banks is top-15 among cornerbacks in total tackles through 15 games.

Other players

• Cleveland Browns offensive guard Michael Dunn saw 11 snaps on Christmas Eve.
• Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson played six snaps.
• Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett played five special teams snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Bills running back Ty Johnson was inactive against the Los Angeles Chargers.
• Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage was inactive on Sunday.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Woods, New York Jets defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and Bears edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue are on injured reserve.
• Patriots corner J.C. Jackson is out for the year on the non-football illness list.
• Tyler Mabry (Seahawks), Byron Cowart (Dolphins), Durell Nchami (Broncos) and Jake Funk (Ravens) remained on practice squads.
• Running back Anthony McFarland Jr. is now on the Steelers practice squad.