Falcons Stick with Younghoe Koo Despite Week 1 Miss
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for their Week 2 clash against the Minnesota Vikings, but the spotlight is firmly on the kicking situation following a shaky performance in the season opener. Younghoe Koo, the team’s place kicker, missed a critical 44-yard field goal attempt that could have secured a tie against the New Orleans Saints, prompting the Falcons to intensify competition for the kicking role.
Kicking Competition Heats Up
In the lead-up to the game against the Vikings, the Falcons brought in Parker Romo to challenge Koo. Romo, who demonstrated his capabilities last season by converting 11 of 12 field goals for the Vikings, has been a formidable presence in practice. Despite the competition, Koo has been ruled out for the upcoming game—not due to injury but for performance reasons, leading to his decision not to travel with the team.
The coaching staff conducted evaluations throughout the week, ultimately deciding by the 4:00 PM deadline that Koo would retain his position as the starting kicker. Romo’s strong showing in practice was noted, but Koo’s experience and past performance still weighed in his favor.
Coaching Insights on the Situation
Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams shared his thoughts on the kicking competition. “Leg strength, his accuracy, his experience, his poise,” he said while discussing Romo’s potential. Despite Romo’s impressive resume, Koo’s previous success seemed to give him the edge. Williams acknowledged the complexity of evaluating a kicker’s performance, stating, “There is no easy equation to it. As a kicker, whatever the case may be, you get judged off makes and misses.”
Koo’s performance has been scrutinized since his lackluster season last year, where he managed only a 73.5% success rate—far below his typical standard. Prior to that, he had never finished a season with less than 86.5% accuracy. Koo reflected on his struggles, expressing the weight of disappointment and the pressure he feels to deliver for his teammates. “Every point really matters in this league,” he said. “The frustration just came out of just disappointment in myself with knowing that I know I’m better than that.”
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons prepare to face the Vikings, all eyes will be on Koo and his performance. While he has been given another chance to prove himself, the ongoing competition indicates that his position may not be as secure as it once was. The Falcons are clearly running low on patience, and Koo’s ability to bounce back from adversity will be critical in the weeks to come. The pressure is on as he aims to regain the confidence that once made him a reliable asset for the team.
