One time, Chad Ryland and Matt Prater were kicking together and they weren't teammates on the Cardinals.

At the time, Ryland played for Eastern Michigan and Prater played for the Lions. And Ryland immediately had an idol.

“We played together a few times,” Ryland said. “He’s someone I really look up to. I have the utmost respect for Matt and his career, especially the way he goes about it. He’s a real professional.”

Kicking in the NFL can be a strange life. Ryland lived his dream last year when he was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots at a position that often goes undrafted. Then, in a tough situation as the Bill Belichick era was coming to an end, he made just 16 of 24 field goals and was ultimately cut in favor of Joey Slye before this season.

But then Prater injured his left knee. The Cardinals needed a replacement. And Ryland came to replace the man he looked up to all those years ago at Michigan — at least for six games while Prater, now on IR, rehabs. Maybe longer.

“That was a tough one for me last year,” Ryland said. “Nobody goes into their rookie year expecting to struggle. Looking back, you realize that there were factors that the outside world doesn't necessarily see that contributed to the results, for better or worse. I’m lucky to have been through everything.” That makes it much nicer to be here.

Ryland was denied a field goal in his first game for the Cardinals and returned for a touchdown, but he has made his other five attempts (and is 2-for-2 on extra points). He knows he can't be perfect, but his confidence is strong, no matter what happened with New England.

Prater is 40 years old and in the final year of his contract, but he's still in great shape – he's 6 of 6 on field goals and has a perfect 10 extra points this season – plus he's a threat from 60 yards or so if necessary.

Ryland kicked a game-winning 56-yard field goal himself last year (and a 35-yarder in his first game for the Cardinals, which beat the 49ers). He doesn't know what will happen to Prater this season after the IR stint or what will happen to himself. But he is optimistic.

“If I continue to trend in the right direction, which I think is the case, I hope to have a career like Matt’s one day,” Ryland said.