Falcons face kicker conundrum ahead of Vikings matchup
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a precarious situation as they prepare for their upcoming clash against the Minnesota Vikings. With uncertainty looming over the kicking position, the Falcons signed Parker Romo to challenge incumbent kicker Younghoe Koo and Lenny Krieg.
Romo’s Arrival and Competition
Following a disappointing miss in their season opener, which significantly hindered their chances of victory, the Falcons opted to bolster their kicking roster. Romo, who enjoyed a solid performance with the Vikings last season, hitting 11 of 12 field goals, has now joined the competition alongside Krieg on the practice squad. However, the Falcons are keeping their cards close to their chest regarding the starting kicker for Sunday night’s game.
“We are still evaluating,” special teams coordinator Marquice Williams stated when queried about the decision-making process. “We are still going through the process with our kickers when it comes to who is going to be kicking this weekend, and we will make a decision as we go on.”
Assessing Romo’s Potential
Williams has expressed enthusiasm about Romo’s capabilities. He highlighted the new kicker’s “leg strength, accuracy, experience, and poise,” noting that Romo’s addition brings a positive energy to the team. Despite having only 12 career field goal attempts, Romo’s track record is impressive, with just one miss—a 43-yarder against the Arizona Cardinals last season. His journey through the NFL includes a stint in the XFL earlier this year, showcasing his perseverance and adaptability.
“He came into a situation last year when he took over for Will Reichard in Minnesota, and he did a great job,” Williams said. “Joining a team in the middle of the season, that is stress, that is some type of adversity…so to see him do that… I like his attitude.”
Koo’s Struggles and Pressure to Perform
Younghoe Koo, once a reliable asset for the Falcons, is facing scrutiny after a notably lackluster previous season. Over his last nine games, Koo has managed a field goal percentage of just over 66%, significantly below his career average of 85.8%. This decline has left the team with dwindling patience as they await the return of his once-trustworthy leg.
“There is no easy equation to it,” Williams commented on Koo’s recent struggles. “As a kicker, whatever the case may be, you get judged off makes and misses. We missed our last one last week, and that’s not our standard here in Atlanta.”
Koo has long been afforded the benefit of the doubt due to his established resume. However, with competition now heating up, he finds himself on thin ice, fighting to retain a position he has held firmly for years.
Game-Day Decisions and Implications
As the Falcons eye their matchup against a formidable Vikings squad, every point will be crucial. Teams must announce any practice squad elevations by 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday ahead of the game. While it’s unlikely that Atlanta would carry two kickers for the contest, naming either Romo or Krieg to the 48-man game day roster does not necessarily preclude Koo from participating.
The definitive picture will likely become clearer 90 minutes before the 8:20 p.m. kickoff when the list of inactive players is revealed. As the Falcons navigate this pivotal decision, their kicking game could prove to be a decisive factor in their quest for victory.
