When it comes to New England weather, it’s hard enough just picking out an outfit that you will remain comfortable in throughout the day. Now imagine how hard it is to kick a football in these conditions.
It should come as no surprise that the two specialists the Patriots added in the NFL Draft on Saturday — Maryland kicker Chad Ryland and Michigan State punter Bryce Baringer — have experience kicking in inclement weather. It’s a trait the team usually looks for when drafting the position.
“I think when you look at cold weather like that, obviously not the most ideal conditions to kick a football,” Ryland said in his introductory conference call on Saturday.