The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a season in which their kicking game was far from reliable. Kicker Younghoe Koo battled injuries throughout the year and, coming into this season, had to earn his role through a position battle. Despite his struggles, the Falcons have shown confidence in Koo, and even his performance from last season has been defended.
“If Stephen Curry were to shoot a (3-point shot), and the guy blocked it, does that count as a missed 3 or does it count as a blocked 3?” special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said. “Yeah. So, OK, he missed seven (because two of the nine misses were blocked). Two years prior, he missed five. Not making excuses or anything like that, but that’s not all on him when it comes to that.”
Koo has been identified as the Falcons’ X-factor for the 2025 season. If he performs at a high level, Atlanta’s offensive and special teams potential grows significantly.
“Much has been made of Michael Penix Jr. and the revamped Falcons defense, but Atlanta finished 31st in field goal percentage in 2024. A healthy, confident Younghoe Koo can make a significant difference in the 2025 campaign,” SI’s Joshua Petry wrote.
Koo had his first critical opportunity on Sunday — a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime. Unfortunately, he missed wide right. Visibly frustrated, he slammed his helmet to the ground on the sideline. The kick came from the left hash and was simply pushed too far. After the game, Koo left the locker room before reporters were allowed in.
“Younghoe Koo bounced from the Falcons locker room by the time the media was allowed in… So much for hearing from him,” WSB’s Zach Klein reported.
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Now, calls are growing for the Falcons to find a replacement. One suggested option is veteran kicker Matt Prater, who is currently with the Bills but is expected to be released once Tyler Bass returns from injury.
“Feels like a Falcons reunion with Matt Prater is inevitable,” The Falcoholic’s Kevin Knight wrote.
It would certainly be a reunion — Prater previously kicked for the Falcons and just nailed a game-winning field goal this past Sunday, already outperforming Koo in Week 1. While the Falcons would have to wait for Prater to hit waivers, they may need to stick it out with Koo — at least for now.
