Younghoe Koo of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after missing a field goal
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Younghoe Koo of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after missing a field goal
The Atlanta Falcons wasted no time after Sunday afternoon’s three point loss to their division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During Monday afternoon’s press conference, head coach Raheem Morris told the room of reporters that the team intends to bring in some competition for kicker Younghoe Koo.
“We always create those competitive moments and find people whether it be workouts or whatever the case may be,” Morris said. “… There’s no secret around here how we go about our business. There’ll always be a highly competitive atmosphere.”
This comes after Koo botched a game tying field goal attempt from 44 yards out during the waning seconds of the opening day loss.
Aside from the game deciding miss, Koo was 2/2 on extra points and split the upright twice with a long of 41. But that wasn’t good enough for the Dirty Birds head guy.
“I would just say we’re going to go look at some veterans, as well, along with some young up-and-comers, and we have one in our building that we talked about,” Morris concluded
Younghoe Koo Provides Excuse For Miss
Morris wasn’t the only one who had a chance to speak on the missed field goal, Koo found his locker swarmed during media availability time in Atlanta. Reporters wanted to know what went wrong on a typically routine make for the 86% lifetime kicker.
“Throughout the game with that turf, I was kind of hitting the ground a little bit, so I tried to make an adjustment, which I have done multiple times,” Koo told reporters. “I just made the wrong kind of adjustment at that time, and I know what to do.
“But it’s just frustrating because I know better than that, and I just got to do a better job.”
Koo did was not asked about Morris’ decision to bring in some competition, but he was asked about the helmet throw following the miss.
“Every point really matters in this league, and we’ve been in this situation so many times. The frustration really came out of just disappointment in myself,” Koo said. “I know I’m better than that, and on top of that, letting the guys down.”
Koo Coming Off Worst Career Year
Last season Koo started the year hot, going 9/9 on field goal attempts including a 54 and 58 yarder. But after the opening month, Koo’s woes compiled.
He ended the season on a disastrous run, making just 16 of his next 25 (64%). He missed two field goals in an overtime win over the Buccs, both would have changed or won the game. He missed three (!) field goals in a three point loss to division rival New Orleans Saints, that’s nine points left on the field for a team that missed the playoffs by a single game.
He finished the year with a career worst 73.5% field goal percentage. Going just 13 for 20 on attempts from 40 yards or longer.
Once thought to be one of the best kickers in the game, Koo has steadily declined since posting back to back years with FG percentages north of 93% in 2020 and 2021.