WATCH: Patriots Rookie Kicker Makes First NFL FG vs. Dolphins

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots raised more than a few eyebrows when they selected Maryland kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round (No. 112 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. They once again caught the attention of the NFL universe at the end of August, when they traded veteran kicker Nick Folk to the Tennessee Titans.

Accordingly, the Pats appear content to test the full value of their draft investment, opting for Ryland's younger, stronger leg over Folk's veteran reliability. During their Week 2 matchup with the Miami Dolphins, the rookie not only gave the Pats their first points of the night, but he also earned his first field goal of his NFL career.

Facing a 10-0 deficit, quarterback Mac Jones led the Pats 35 yards on 10 plays. Despite a pair of impressive catches from former Dolphin receiver DeVante Parker, New England was unable to execute a third-and 9 from the Miami 31-yard line.

Accordingly, Ryland connected on the 49-yard attempt.

.@C_Ryland38's first @NFL field goal is through the uprights!

📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/zFaav8vIKb
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 18, 2023

On the ensuing drive, Miami capitalized on New England having to settle for three points. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led Miami 75 yards on eight plays in the final two minutes, capped by a two-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tyreek Hill. Miami leads 17-3 at the half.

The Patriots and Dolphins are facing off for the first of two meetings this season. The second game of the annual series will be played at Miami on Oct. 29. The two teams split the series in 2022, with the Patriots losing on opening day at Miami, 20-7, on Sept. 11 and then getting revenge with a 23-21 win at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 1.

New England dropped its season-opener to the Philadelphia Eagles 25-20 in Foxboro. Conversely, Miami (1-0) parlayed an explosive offensive performance into a 36-34 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

As was expected cornerback Jonathan Jones missed Sunday night's game with an ankle injury, while offensive linemen Trent Brown and Sidy Sow remain in concussion protocol. Starting guards Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange made their respective season debuts, after missing the Pats Week 1 loss to the Eagles.