Kevin Stefanski has blind faith in Dustin Hopkins despite an awful outing against the Steelers
Kevin Stefanski expressed belief in Dustin Hopkins, hoping that he would work through the issues and come out stronger.
Follow Us
Dustin Hopkins, Kevin Stefanski (Images via Sporting News/Cleveland Browns)
The Cleveland Browns’ opportunity to end a three-decade-long drought of season sweeps against the Pittsburgh Steelers started poorly with a 7-13 first half. Earlier, the Browns posted a victory over the Steelers in a snowy affair in Week 11.
There were opportunities to score in both halves of the game, though they wouldn’t have been enough to secure a victory. Veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals from 38 and 45 yards. The Steelers capitalized on the second miss by scoring a touchdown, taking control of the game and ultimately winning 27-14.
Hopkins, who signed a three-year extension this summer, has missed nine of his 25 field goal attempts this season. Following the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if he was considering alternative options.
However, Stefanski expressed belief in the player and hoped that he would work through the issues and come out stronger.
He’s our kicker. We expect him to make those. He’s a veteran. He’s a pro. I expect him to work through it. He’s our kicker.
Kevin Stefanski said per cleveland.com
Aside from the coach, several Browns players also rushed to the kicker and comforted him. Left Guard Joel Bitonio expressed his support for Hopkins in the post-game media availability, acknowledging his history with the team as a kicker.
I’m sure he’s his toughest critic. We have a lot of faith in Dustin. He made a lot of big kicks for us in his career here, so I’ve got faith in him.
Joel Bitonio on Dustin Hopkins
Dustin Hopkins admits it has been a frustrating year
The 2024 season hasn’t gone the way the Cleveland Browns wanted. Coming off a playoff season, the Browns have plummeted to a 3-10 record with no hopes of making the playoffs this time around. There are multiple facets to their disappointing losses, starting with the signal caller issues in DeShaun Watson.
Despite Jameis Watson bringing a better game and reviving their hopes, it was tad bit late. Dustin Hopkins’ failures are also a major worry for the ailing Browns. Hopkins hasn’t been delivering the same level of performances, leading to a general disappointment amongst the fans.
In the post-game interview, Hopkins admitted that he has been investing time and effort, but the results are not what he wants.
I’m paid to make those kicks, so I want to. I want it more for my teammates and the coaching staff and ownership in this city I think more than I want it for myself. I invest a lot of time and effort into what I do, and to see it not come to fruition is frustrating. It’s been a frustrating year.
Dustin Hopkins said
He further admitted that he has been finding it difficult to establish a rhythm this season. Hopkins explained that he hasn’t been able to perfect his swing, as one problem seems to arise just as another is resolved.
In 2023, Hopkins achieved a career-best 91.7% field goal success rate, earning him a three-year, $15.9 million contract extension. However, in 2024, his accuracy has dropped to just 64% on field goal attempts, the lowest in the league among kickers with at least 20 attempts. Including extra points, he has missed eight kicks over his last seven games.
Stay Updated!
Mohammed Bazim
(516 Articles Published)