Patterson Kicks Long Field Goal for Dolphins
Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson made a 53-yard field goal in a recent game.
This long kick helped the Dolphins get their first points, often called "getting on the board."
Field goals from this distance are considered difficult and require strong leg power.
In separate news, the Washington Commanders have had a player undergo surgery.
Defensive lineman Newton had an operation to fix a torn pectoral muscle, known as a pec.
This kind of injury can keep a player out of action for weeks or months.
The news came out during the Commanders' training camp, when NFL teams prepare for the new season.
According to reports, the team's injury list has been growing during camp.
This means more players have been hurt than teams would like at this stage.
Coaches are also working on their plans for an upcoming game against Detroit.
Training camp is an important time for teams to test players and build strategies before official games begin.
Both stories show different sides of NFL preparation: on-field performance, like Patterson's kick, and off-field challenges, like injuries hitting the Commanders roster.
Vocabulary6 words
- field goal
- a kick that scores points in American football
- board
- the scoreboard; getting on the board means scoring first
- pectoral muscle
- a large muscle in the chest
- training camp
- a period when a team practices before the season starts
- injury list
- a list of players who are hurt and cannot play
- defensive lineman
- a football player who tries to stop the other team's attack
Quiz
Answer key
1. He kicked a 53-yard field goal 2. A torn pectoral muscle 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson made a 53-yard _____ in a recent game.
This long kick helped the Dolphins get their first points, often called "getting on the _____."
In separate news, the Washington Commanders have had a player undergo _____.
Defensive lineman Newton had an operation to fix a torn _____ muscle, known as a pec.
The news came out during the Commanders' _____ camp, when NFL teams prepare for the new season.
According to reports, the team's _____ list has been growing during camp.
Coaches are also working on their plans for an upcoming game against _____.
Training camp is an important time for teams to test players and build _____ before official games begin.
Discussion questions
- Why might a 53-yard field goal be considered impressive in American football?
- How can injuries during training camp affect a team's chances for the season?
- What do you think teams do to prepare for games like the one against Detroit?
- Why is training camp an important part of the NFL season?
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