Falcons Face Kicking Crisis as Parker Romo’s Missed PAT Raises Concerns
The Atlanta Falcons are grappling with a significant dilemma at the kicker position, one that could lead to yet another change following a season already marred by inconsistency.
Missed Opportunities Plague Special Teams
In a season where the Falcons’ special teams have struggled to find their footing, Week 9 proved to be another chapter of disappointment. During a crucial moment late in the fourth quarter, with Drake London having just caught his third touchdown pass, the stage was set for Parker Romo. A successful extra point would have tied the game against the New England Patriots. However, Romo’s attempt went wide right, sealing the Falcons’ fate in a narrow 24-23 defeat.
Coaching Staff’s Reaction to the Miss
The missed PAT did not go unnoticed by head coach Raheem Morris, who addressed the situation head-on in a postgame interview. “At the end of the day, you got to make that kick,” Morris stated, emphasizing the importance of reliability in such pivotal moments. He acknowledged the ongoing struggles, revealing that the team has been exploring options to bolster their kicking game. “We’ve worked out a bunch of different people, so we’ll be able to bring people in and figure out what it’s gonna be this week,” he added.
A Pattern of Kicking Woes
The Falcons’ kicking struggles have been evident since the very first week of the season. Younghoe Koo, who had been the team’s primary kicker, faced a challenging year, missing a career-high nine kicks in 2024. Despite these setbacks, the Falcons initially opted to retain him, hoping for a turnaround. Now, with Romo’s recent failure, the pressure to reassess their options has intensified.
As the Falcons prepare for their upcoming games, the question looms large: will they make another change at kicker, or will they continue to ride out the tumultuous waves of their special teams performance? The answer may soon emerge as they weigh their options moving forward.
