Browns Show Confidence in Szmyt Despite Missed Kicks
The Cleveland Browns faced a challenging decision ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Following a narrow loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, where rookie kicker Andre Szmyt missed an extra point and a 36-yard field goal, the team had legitimate cause to consider a change at the kicking position. The defeat stung, particularly since it came by just a single point, highlighting the significance of every scoring opportunity.
No Tryouts, No Changes
Despite the pressure to make a switch, the Browns opted not to hold a tryout for kickers this week, as reported by Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. This decision suggests that Szmyt will remain part of the roster for at least another week, indicating the team’s commitment to him during this critical juncture.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski offered insight into the team’s thinking during a press conference on Monday. “Andre knows we trust him, knows that he’s gotta come through for us in those moments. Those are kicks that we expect him to make and we expect him to come through for us,” Stefanski said, emphasizing the belief the coaching staff has in Szmyt’s abilities.
A Cost-Effective Choice
The Browns’ decision to keep Szmyt over veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins, who had shown signs of decline, speaks volumes about their strategy. Szmyt not only provided a more cost-effective option but also brought a promising pedigree as a former Lou Groza Award winner for the nation’s best kicker during his freshman year at Syracuse. However, despite a strong collegiate career, he had yet to see action in a regular-season NFL game until this past Sunday.
Room for Improvement
Szmyt’s missed kicks may have been a product of nerves, a common occurrence for athletes stepping into high-pressure situations. It’s worth noting that he had a flawless preseason, which lends some optimism to his potential for recovery.
The alternatives for the Browns are limited; any new signing would likely come from a pool of players who have already been released by other teams, making it a risky proposition.
The Road Ahead
For now, the Browns are placing their faith in Szmyt to rebound against the Ravens, hoping that he can shake off the early-season jitters and deliver when it matters most. As the team prepares for an important divisional clash, all eyes will be on the young kicker to see if he can rise to the occasion and prove that the decision to stick with him was the right one.
