Browns Remain Committed to Rookie Kicker Szmyt Following Narrow Loss to Bengals
The Cleveland Browns faced a heartbreaking defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, falling short with a final score of 17-16. Much of the blame for the loss can be attributed to the struggles of rookie kicker Andre Szmyt, who missed a pivotal field goal and an extra point during the game.
Head Coach’s Support for Szmyt
After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski was confronted with questions regarding the possibility of bringing in a replacement for Szmyt. However, Stefanski made it clear that the organization is not ready to part ways with the rookie kicker just yet.
“I’m not there,” Stefanski stated, emphasizing his faith in Szmyt despite the missed opportunities. “You know, like most type of things. Points are at a 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.”
This show of support highlights the Browns’ commitment to Szmyt and their hope that he can turn things around moving forward.
Szmyt’s Journey to the NFL
Szmyt earned his spot on the roster after outperforming veteran Dustin Hopkins during the preseason, marking his debut in the NFL regular season. His college career at Syracuse was impressive; he captured the Lou Groza Award as a freshman and maintained a strong performance throughout his time there. Though he has experience kicking professionally in the spring league, Sunday marked his first taste of regular-season action in the NFL.
A Difficult Debut
While Szmyt did manage to convert an early field goal, his late-game misses will undoubtedly linger in the minds of fans and teammates alike. Reflecting on his performance, Szmyt expressed a desire to improve, stating, “I got to do better and I expect better out of myself. 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.”
His determination to bounce back indicates a strong mindset, which will be crucial as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
As the Browns prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will be on Szmyt’s ability to regain his confidence and contribute effectively to the team. With the support of his coaches and teammates, there remains hope that he can overcome this challenging start and fulfill his potential as a reliable kicker in the league.
