Key Takeaways

• Szmyt’s early 2026 performance has been flawless on kicks, contributing to a perception of strong special teams play for Cleveland so far.
• In Week 1 he converted on both scoring opportunities; in Week 2 he matched that efficiency with perfect results on extra points and multiple field goals, earning him a second AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
• Coach Byron Storer publicly praised Szmyt, attributing the award to Dre’s hard work and dedication and expressing excitement for his progress.
• The article recalls Szmyt’s rough Week 1 start last season, but emphasizes how he refined his technique and carried improved form forward.
• Since Week 1, Szmyt has converted 93% on field goals and has been perfect on attempts from 40 yards and in, while also maintaining a perfect 28-for-28 on extra points over a stretch.
• A benchmark comparison cites Dustin Hopkins’s 2023 Pro Bowl season (33-for-36 on field goals) to illustrate the level Szmyt is approaching, with Szmyt currently at 90.3% on field goals and 6-for-7 from 50+ yards for his career.
• Szmyt credits the blocking unit—Corey Bojorquez and Rex Sunahara—for making his job easier and stresses the collective effort behind his reliability, underscoring a team-wide emphasis on phase three of football.