Andre Szmyt's 55-Yard Game-Winning Kick Lifts Browns Past Packers 13-10

A Remarkable Comeback for the Cleveland Browns

Andre Szmyt, the rookie kicker for the Cleveland Browns, has experienced a dramatic transformation from being overlooked to becoming one of the most beloved players in the team. His incredible 55-yard field goal as time expired gave the Browns an improbable 13-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. This game marked a significant turning point for the team and its fans.

“It was exciting. It was good to pull through for my teammates,” Szmyt said. “Obviously a couple of weeks back, that’s in the past. It’s good to do it for them.” The win helped Cleveland (1-2) snap an eight-game losing streak dating back to last season. According to Sportradar, this was the first time in franchise history that the Browns won a game where they scored no points and trailed by at least 10 with four minutes remaining.

The last time such a scenario occurred in the NFL was when Denver rallied to beat Chicago on December 11, 2011. Szmyt played a crucial role in the victory, taking responsibility after missing an extra point and a field goal in the Browns’ Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I’m really proud of that young man. I’m happy for that young man,” said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. He acknowledged the challenges Szmyt has faced, including the loss of his mother, Lala, who passed away from a brain aneurysm on July 10. “He’s been through a lot in his life, I would tell you. And the kid’s come through.”

Defensive and Offensive Efforts

The Browns' defense played a key role in the victory, sacking Jordan Love four times and creating a crucial turnover. Cleveland got its first takeaway of the season with 3:18 remaining when Grant Delpit intercepted Love’s pass and returned it 25 yards to the Packers’ 4. This was also the first turnover for Green Bay (2-1) this year and marked the first time in 10 regular-season starts that Love had been picked off.

On the offensive side, Quinshon Judkins had 94 yards on 18 carries, including his first NFL touchdown on a 1-yard run up the middle to tie the game at 10 with 3:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Joe Flacco, who completed 21 of 36 passes for 142 yards and an interception, reflected on the tough nature of the game.

“It’s hard when you’re in your own stadium and you can’t put points on the board and everybody feels it and you feel it, but you've got to keep going out there and doing your job and having faith that something’s going to happen and we’re going to get it done.”

Special Teams and Final Moments

Special teams contributed significantly to the win, with Szmyt kicking two field goals. Shelby Harris blocked a potential game-winning 43-yard field goal attempt from Brandon McManus after Judkins’ touchdown. Greg Newsome II recovered the ball at the 47, giving the Browns a chance to avoid overtime.

Harris and Maliek Collins were able to get penetration over the guard, which led to the block. “Well, I have a 6 foot-10 1/2 wingspan, so that kind of helps out, too," Harris said. "But, you know, it’s just I have a knack for it. It’s instinct, but also it’s a little bit of skill, too, but also it’s the guys around you.”

Cleveland took over and moved 16 yards in five plays. Flacco had an 8-yard completion to David Njoku on third-and-2 to get the ball to the Packers’ 35. Flacco then spiked the ball, bringing Szmyt on with 2 seconds remaining.

Szmyt was mobbed by teammates after his kick before running near the bleachers and doing a leap into Cleveland's infamous Dawg Pound, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary Sunday. Browns greats Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield, who came up with the nickname, were in attendance.

“Man, what a kick. Something made out of a movie, man,” Delpit said.

Packers' Disappointment

For as much elation Cleveland felt, it was a gut punch for Green Bay. The last time the Packers had a similar collapse was on November 5, 1967, at Baltimore. The Packers led 10-0 before Johnny Unitas threw a pair of TD passes in the last three minutes to give the Colts a 13-10 victory.

“That was extremely disappointing, obviously. To have an opportunity to win the game and have them flip the script late is tough to deal with," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. "We played well enough defensively to win the game, but we didn’t do a good enough job on offense and special teams.”

Love completed 18 of 25 passes for 183 yards, including a 3-yard TD to John FitzPatrick with 3:23 remaining in the third quarter to put the Packers up 10-0. “It’s a tough loss, for sure," Love said. “Adversity is going to strike us at some point this season — and it struck today.”

Injuries and Upcoming Games

Injuries affected both teams. Packers: RT Zach Tom, who missed last week's game against Washington due to an oblique strain, aggravated the injury on the first offensive play. ... OG Aaron Banks (groin) was injured late in the first half. ... S Javon Bullard went off in the fourth quarter after appearing to be temporarily knocked out after taking a hit to his helmet. Browns: RT Dewand Jones suffered a knee injury on the first series and did not return.

Up next, the Packers will face Dallas next Sunday night. The game will take place one month after Micah Parsons was traded from the Cowboys to the Packers. The Browns will travel to Detroit next Sunday.