Atlanta, GA, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons are looking to bring in competition for their kicking position following Younghoe Koo’s missed field goal attempt in a recent loss to the Buccaneers. Coach Raheem Morris confirmed that they are exploring options to improve the team’s performance in this critical area. Although Koo remains the team’s kicker for now, his inconsistency has prompted the team to evaluate other kickers, including practice squad member Lenny Krieg. The Falcons are keen to enhance overall team performance as they face challenges with other key players.
Atlanta – The Atlanta Falcons are exploring options to bring in competition for their kicking position following a disappointing performance from Younghoe Koo. Coach Raheem Morris confirmed that the team will work out kickers this week after Koo missed a crucial 44-yard field-goal attempt in the closing seconds of a 23-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the recent game, Koo successfully executed field goals of 41 and 36 yards earlier but went on to miss the game-tying attempt that could have changed the outcome. Despite Koo’s miss, Morris stated that Koo remains the team’s kicker for now but stressed the need for competition to enhance performance in the kicking game.
Highlighting the situation, Morris pointed out Lenny Krieg, who is currently on the Falcons’ practice squad, as a “developing prospect” that may contribute to creating a competitive atmosphere for the team. The intention is to boost the overall effectiveness in this critical area, as consistent scoring is vital for the Falcons’ success as the season progresses.
Younghoe Koo has experienced challenges with consistency, converting only 73.5 percent of his field-goal attempts in the previous season, which marked a career-low for him. The ongoing struggles are particularly pronounced when it comes to kicks between 40 and 49 yards; in the years 2023, he has converted only 70 percent of these attempts. Notably, Koo was regarded as one of the most reliable kickers in the league from 2019 to 2023, highlighting a stark contrast to his current performance.
After the game against the Buccaneers, Koo appeared visibly frustrated, expressing disappointment in his performance and feelings of having let his teammates down. His remarks included acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the turf conditions during the game, which he believed affected his kicking technique. This kind of self-reflection may play a crucial role in his approach as the team considers its options going forward.
In addition to the kicking situation, the Falcons faced several other challenges during the game, including the performance of running back Tyler Allgeier, who rushed 10 times for just 24 yards. Tight end Kyle Pitts had a solid game, catching 7 of 8 passes for 59 yards, while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. contributed significantly by completing 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards, along with a touchdown and a rushing score of his own.
The situation is further complicated as wide receiver Drake London is now considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury sustained during the game, pending further medical testing. The Falcons will need to address these various player performances effectively while searching for a solution to the kicker position.
In summary, the Atlanta Falcons are taking decisive action to increase competition at the kicker position, as Younghoe Koo’s inconsistencies have raised concerns. The team will be looking at both established veterans and emerging prospects in the coming days to better position themselves for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the Atlanta Falcons seeking competition for their kicker?
The Falcons are searching for competition to improve the performance of their kicking game after Younghoe Koo missed a crucial field-goal attempt in a recent game against the Buccaneers, contributing to a disappointing loss.
What has been Younghoe Koo’s performance like recently?
Koo has struggled with consistency, converting only 73.5 percent of field goals last season and 70 percent of kicks between 40-49 yards this year, which marks a decline from his previous reputation as one of the league’s most reliable kickers.
Who are the other kickers being considered?
The Falcons are expected to evaluate a mix of both veteran kickers and developing prospects like Lenny Krieg, who is currently on the practice squad, during their upcoming workouts.
Key Features of the Kicking Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Missed Field Goal | Younghoe Koo missed a 44-yard kick in the final seconds against Buccaneers. |
| Kicker’s Current Performance | Koo has converted 73.5% of field goals last season and 70% of 40-49 yard kicks this year. |
| Need for Competition | Coach Morris emphasizes the importance of creating competition for improvement. |
| Other Players’ Contributions | Tight end Pitts and quarterback Penix Jr. showed solid performances in the recent game. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Falcons Seek Kicker After Koo’s Missed Field Goal
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Younghoe Koo Misses Key Kick
- The Falcoholic: Falcons Plan to Work Out Kickers
- Sports Illustrated: Falcons to Work Out Kickers After Koo’s Miss
- AJC: Falcons Burned by Misplaced Faith in Younghoe Koo
- Blogging Dirty: Younghoe Koo Makes Unexpected History
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Google Search: Younghoe Koo Kicker
- Google Scholar: Younghoe Koo Kicking Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kicking
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons Kicking News
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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