The Atlanta Falcons struggled with their kicking game last season, marking one of the first truly challenging years for Younghoe Koo in a while. Throughout the season, he battled various injuries, and when he was on the field, consistency was an issue. Still, not all the missed kicks were entirely his fault.
“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.”
Despite this defense, the Falcons signed former professional soccer player Lenny Krieg to compete with Koo during training camp. The focus for Koo throughout camp has been regaining his form.
“I'm ready to get back to what I know I'm capable of: being the best in the league," Koo said. "I know I can do that, just going back to the process of what I do, and yeah, I'll get back to that for sure."
Early in camp, Krieg pushed Koo, but that battle now appears to be over. Falcons beat reporter Marc Raimondi shared notes from Wednesday’s team scrimmage that suggest Koo will retain his job.
“Younghoe Koo was 6-of-7 on field goals, only missing one from 60 yards. K Lenny Krieg did not kick. It feels like Koo has won the kicker competition, if it really ever was one to begin with,” Raimondi posted.
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Falcons fans will be glad to see Koo staying put. Since arriving in Atlanta, he's been a fan favorite, especially after hitting several game-winners. With a bounce-back year in sight, Koo has everything lined up to make this season a special one.