Browns rookie kicker misses extra point and late field goal in 17-16 loss to Bengals
Andre Szmyt, who won the kicking job in preseason, missed a PAT and a 36-yard attempt in Cleveland's season opener at Huntington Bank Field
Cleveland Browns rookie kicker Andre Szmyt missed an extra point and a potential game-winning 36-yard field goal Sunday as the Browns fell 17-16 to the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.
Szmyt, a rookie from Syracuse who won the Browns' kicking job over veteran Dustin Hopkins in the preseason, pushed the fourth-quarter field-goal try wide right with 2:22 remaining. Earlier, his missed extra point after Cedric Tillman's touchdown catch from Joe Flacco with 7:20 left in the third quarter kept Cleveland from taking a 17-14 lead.
The Bengals had taken a one-point lead later in the third on a field goal by Evan McPherson. Cincinnati's victory preserved a 17-16 final despite the Bengals managing just 11 first downs and 141 total yards of offense, statistics that reflected strong work by the Browns' defense.
Flacco, making his first start for Cleveland at age 40, completed the game with 290 passing yards but threw two interceptions. The Browns opened the season with Flacco under center even after selecting quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in April's draft.
Szmyt, acquired by the Browns earlier this year and a product of Syracuse, had converted a strong preseason into the starting role. His missed kicks Sunday were the most consequential of his brief NFL career to date, occurring in a tightly contested, low-scoring opener between two AFC teams.
Cleveland's offense managed to score on Tillman's touchdown reception and other drives but was hampered by Flacco's two interceptions. The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, were held well below their usual production; Cincinnati's scoring came largely through McPherson's kicking.
The Browns will seek to rebound from the one-point loss when they continue their early-season schedule, while the Bengals will leave Cleveland with a season-opening win despite a subdued offensive performance. Szmyt's missed opportunities will likely draw attention as Cleveland evaluates its roster and kicking game moving forward.