Browns Stand by Szmyt After Missed Kicks in Narrow Loss
The Cleveland Browns came tantalizingly close to securing a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Ultimately, however, the game slipped away with a final score of 17-16, largely due to the struggles of rookie kicker Andre Szmyt, who missed both a critical field goal and an extra point.
Stefanski’s Confidence in Szmyt
After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski faced questions about potentially searching for a new kicker following Szmyt’s uncharacteristic performance. Despite the temptation to make a change, the Browns are choosing to stand by the young kicker, a decision that might raise eyebrows but reflects their long-term vision.
“I’m not there,” Stefanski stated regarding the possibility of cutting Szmyt. “You know, like most type of things. You know, points are at premium obviously. So that’s frustrating. Andre’s had a really good camp. He’s done a nice job for us. So I’m not there.”
Szmyt’s Journey to the NFL
Szmyt’s path to the NFL has not been without its accolades. He outperformed veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins during the preseason, earning his spot as the team’s primary kicker for the regular season. A standout during his college career at Syracuse, Szmyt captured the prestigious Lou Groza Award as a freshman and maintained a solid kicking record throughout his tenure. Prior to his debut in the NFL, he had experience kicking professionally in the spring league, but the game against the Bengals marked his first foray into regular-season action.
A Tough Learning Experience
While Szmyt did manage to make an early field goal, his late-game misses are sure to haunt him as he reflects on the contest. “I got to do better and I expect better out of myself,” he acknowledged after the game. “Just try and forget about it and move on to next week… These guys are here for me. I know I have to do my job and I’m going to do it the next time.”
The Browns will now look to Szmyt for a rebound performance in the upcoming weeks, hoping that his resolve and the faith placed in him will lead to improved results.
Looking Ahead
As the team moves forward, the spotlight will remain on Szmyt as he navigates the pressures of being a rookie in the NFL. With the support of his teammates and coaching staff, there’s a collective hope that he can turn this experience into motivation for future success. The resilience of both Szmyt and the Browns will be tested in the games to come, as they aim to find their rhythm in what is shaping up to be a challenging season.
