Browns Lose Season Opener to Bengals on Missed Kicks, 17-16

The Cleveland Browns narrowly lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 17-16 in their 2025 season opener, largely due to critical missed kicks by rookie kicker Andre Szmyt. Szmyt, making his NFL debut, missed an extra point and a go-ahead 36-yard field goal late in the game, opportunities that could have secured a Browns victory. Despite a strong defensive effort that limited the Bengals to only 7 second-half yards—the lowest by a winning team in 25 years—and a solid offensive performance by quarterback Joe Flacco, turnovers and missed kicking chances proved costly. The Browns had a chance to win late in the game but were hampered by Flacco's two interceptions, including one that ended the game after a dropped catch by Cedric Tillman. This loss continues a recent trend of close defeats against Cincinnati and raises questions about Cleveland’s ability to improve after a disappointing 3-14 2024 season. While the Browns showed potential by dominating in many statistical areas in the second half, the missed kicks and turnovers underscore the challenges they face in turning close games into wins.