The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and all eyes are on first-time full-time starter Michael Penix Jr., who is expected to play a significant role in Atlanta’s success this season. Many have placed pressure on him during the offseason, and it seems he’s ready to answer the call.
“Penix needs to be more consistent from the pocket and improve his accuracy, ball placement, and completion percentage,” Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote. “If these boxes are checked, the Falcons will compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South division crown.”
While Penix will draw much of the attention, there’s another key player who could make a huge difference after a down year in 2024: fan-favorite kicker Younghoe Koo.
“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.
Last season was a tough one for Koo, who battled injuries and other challenges. Despite the struggles, he had the full support of his special teams coordinator.
“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.”
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Koo is well-loved in Atlanta, and that loyalty should be clear on game day. If he returns to form, he could easily deliver two to three field goals per game—assuming the Falcons can move the ball effectively. When it comes down to it, Koo’s leg may prove just as crucial as Penix’s arm this season.