Head coach Kevin Stefanski echoed that sentiment and said Szmyt will be their kicker in Week 2 against the Ravens.
“Young player and will only get better,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, he wants to come through in those moments, and we expect him to come through in those moments. But just like any player on our roster, he’ll continue to get better.”
During the 2025 preseason, Szmyt made all three of his field goal attempts – including a 37-yard game-winner against the Rams in the third week of the preseason – as well as one extra point attempt.
In Week 1, Szmyt made 1-of-2 field goal attempts and extra point attempts, making his first extra point in the second quarter but missing the second in the third quarter. He hit a 45-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter and missed a 36-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. The Browns ultimately lost 17-16 to the Bengals.
“I think we’ve had good operations. I don’t think that’s an issue,” Ventrone said. “The practices have been good. The pregame warmup was good. I think that he’s in a good head space. I feel like he’s confident. He’s got a lot of confidence. He understands that he needs to deliver and make his kicks.”