Kevin Stefanski Addresses Possible Kicker Change After Dramatic Week 1 Loss
The Cleveland Browns left Cincinnati with a gut-wrenching 17-16 loss to the Bengals on Sunday—a game where they dominated nearly every statistical category yet came up short in the most critical moments.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the controversial kicking situation arising from rookie Andre Szmyt’s missed extra point and game-deciding field goal attempt, ultimately signaling continued support for his freshman kicker.
Dominance, Then Defeat
Cleveland controlled the game’s tempo: they outgained Cincinnati 327 to 141 in total yards and held possession for nearly 36 minutes . The Browns’ defense was relentless, racking up sacks and consistently pressuring Bengals QB Joe Burrow . Quarterback Joe Flacco, making his first official start, completed 31 of 45 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown—though two interceptions off deflected passes stunted promising drives .
But special teams woes loomed large. Szmyt, who beat out veteran Dustin Hopkins in the preseason, missed an extra point and a crucial 36-yard field goal late in the game that would have pushed Cleveland ahead .
Stefanski Stands Behind Szmyt—for Now
Despite mistakes usually incompatible with victories, Stefanski remained firm in backing his rookie kicker. “Andre has had a really good camp, and he’s done a nice job for us. So, I’m not there [to make a change],” he told reporters . In short: don’t expect an immediate change in the kicking department.
Mounting Pressure Behind the Scenes
While Stefanski showed patience, fans and analysts aren’t as forgiving. The BrownsNation headline put it bluntly: “Browns kicker issue: Free agency, practice squad kickers available” . With several veteran options—some with previous ties to Cleveland—available, speculation is rife that the Browns may discreetly explore replacements in Berea this week .
Key Contributors—not enough to win
Aside from the kicking miscues, Cleveland’s offense faltered at inflection points. Several dropped passes, from receivers like Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, led to turnovers and stalled drives . Still, standouts like Myles Garrett and linebacker Carson Schwesinger played well on defense, but even their efforts couldn’t overcome self-inflicted mistakes .
What Comes Next
With the opener in the books and the toll of mistakes fresh, Cleveland turns its attention to Week 2. Stefanski’s message is clear: this team won’t panic—but improvement, especially in special teams execution, is mandatory.
