After a tough Week 1 opener, the Cleveland Browns are keeping faith in kicker Andre Szmyt, with assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone expressing full confidence in the young player’s abilities.
Szmyt, who has been with the Browns since late 2024 and spent time on the practice squad, has consistently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication to his kicking craft. From the offseason through the first week of the regular season, Ventrone has closely monitored Szmyt’s preparation, noting his solid practices and focus during preseason games.
Even after missing a crucial field goal and extra point in the narrow 17-16 loss to the Bengals, Ventrone’s belief in Szmyt hasn’t wavered.
“It goes back to the body of work we’ve seen since he’s been here,” Ventrone said. “Did he have a rough game in the opener? Yeah. But because of what we’ve seen up to this point, we have confidence that he’ll get back on track.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski shared the same sentiment, confirming that Szmyt will handle kicking duties in Week 2 against the Ravens. “He’s a young player and will only get better,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, he wants to come through in those moments, and we expect him to do so. Like any player on our roster, he’ll continue to improve.”
Szmyt’s preseason performance was solid, hitting all three field goal attempts, including a 37-yard game-winner against the Rams. Week 1 presented more of a challenge, as he made 1-of-2 field goals and split extra point attempts. Despite the misses, Ventrone highlighted that the practices, pregame routines, and Szmyt’s mindset have all been positive.
“He’s confident, he understands he needs to deliver, and he’s putting in the work to make it happen,” Ventrone said. Reviewing the film, they noticed Szmyt didn’t fully finish his kicks, admitting he rushed his approach in the heat of the moment.
Heading into the Ravens matchup, Szmyt has been sharp in practice, maintaining strong routines and positive body language. Ventrone emphasized that support from the coaching staff is just as crucial as expectations on the field.
“When a kick is missed and it impacts a game, you support the guy you believe in,” Ventrone explained. “Szmyt knows we back him, and he knows what we expect. He’s done everything in his power this past week to reset, focus, and get the results we want.”
For Browns fans, the message is clear: Andre Szmyt remains the team’s kicker, and the coaching staff has every reason to trust him to deliver when it matters most.
See More
- Joe Flacco Opens Up About His Relationship With John Harbaugh Ahead of Week 2 Clash
- Browns Bring Back K.J. Henry to the Practice Squad
- Week 2 Injury Report | Chiefs vs. Eagles
- Chiefs Make Surprising Practice Squad Swap: Christiansen Out, Presley In
- Xavier Worthy Injury Update | Travis Kelce Reacts After Chiefs’ Week 1 Loss
- Browns Add DT Ralph Holley to Practice Squad, Release RB Trayveon Williams
- Chiefs’ Week 1 Loss Highlights 3 Key Defensive Concerns
- Browns WRs Struggle With Receiver Errors Despite Promising Start
- Browns announce unofficial depth chart for Week 2 vs. Ravens
- Chiefs Fall in Brazil: Five Key Takeaways from Week 1 Loss