Chad Ryland provided an extra special present for the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve. That present came in the form of a clutch game-winner from long-range for the former Maryland star.

With the game tied between the Denver Broncos at 23-all and 7 seconds left, Ryland stepped up for a try from 56 yards. The kick was pure, sending the Patriots to a 26-23 win and giving Ryland a new career-long kick in his rookie NFL season.

That game-winner had to be even sweeter for Ryland after some of his struggles earlier in the win. He missed an earlier field goal and also doinked an extra point but finished with 8 total points on Christmas Eve.

Ryland’s rookie season has not been without some struggles. He is 15-for-23 on field goals overall for just a 65.2% try on kicks, including 6 misses from inside 50 yards.

Hopefully, the game-winner gives the young kicker something to build on as he moves forward.