The Cleveland Browns' Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals highlighted a crucial area of concern: kicking. Andre Szmyt, the Browns' new kicker, missed a crucial extra point and a field goal in the 17-16 defeat, leaving many questioning the team's strategy. Following the game, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the situation, expressing his current stance on bringing in additional competition for Szmyt.
"We obviously missed a field goal, missed an extra point," Stefanski stated in his post-game press conference. "Those are points, and in these types of games, you have to come away with points. So, it hurts when you feel like you’re doing some good things." The missed kicks proved costly, ultimately deciding the outcome of a closely contested game.
When directly asked about the possibility of adding competition to the kicking roster this week, Stefanski responded, "I’m not there." He emphasized the premium placed on scoring points in NFL games and acknowledged the frustration caused by Szmyt's misses. However, he expressed continued confidence in Szmyt’s abilities, citing the kicker's strong preseason performance and overall camp contributions. "Andre’s had a really good camp. He’s done a nice job for us," Stefanski added, suggesting that despite the setback, the team remains committed to their current kicker.
Szmyt himself took responsibility for the missed kicks, attributing them to a rushed approach. He explained to reporters that he "pushed the ball" on both attempts. "I got to do better and I expect better out of myself," Szmyt said, demonstrating a willingness to learn from his mistakes and move forward. He also noted the unwavering support of his teammates, emphasizing their belief in his ability to bounce back.
The Browns' decision to stand by Szmyt for now presents a significant gamble. While the team believes in his potential, the pressure will be immense as they move forward in the season. Whether this confidence remains unwavering following subsequent games remains to be seen.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/kevin-stefanski-on-bringing-in-kicker-competition-im-not-there
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