Falcons Send a Message to Struggling Kicker Younghoe Koo with Latest Move
The Atlanta Falcons have had plenty of frustrations lately, and while most of the attention has been on Kirk Cousins, there’s another problem that might have cost them a playoff spot Younghoe Koo. Once one of the most reliable kickers in the league, Koo’s struggles last season were costly. If he had been his usual self, the Falcons probably would’ve beaten the Chargers and Saints, which would have kept their postseason hopes alive. But in a league that revolves around quarterbacks, his issues have flown under the radar.
Apparently, the Falcons aren’t just going to roll into 2025 and hope for the best. In a surprising move, they signed German kicker Lenny Krieg, dipping into the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. That means Koo suddenly has competition for his job.
Falcons Are Losing Confidence in Koo
A few years ago, Atlanta wouldn’t have even considered adding another kicker. Between Matt Bryant and Younghoe Koo, fans were used to having a rock-solid option at the position. But last season, Koo’s Struggles and the lackluster performance of his temporary replacement, Riley Patterson showed just how important consistency at kicker really is.
To be fair, Koo deserves a chance to bounce back. Before last season, he was one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. If 2024 was just a fluke, there’s no reason to make a switch. But if his struggles continue, the Falcons have to be ready to make a tough decision. They can’t afford to let missed kicks decide games again, and signing Krieg gives them a backup plan if Koo doesn’t regain his form.
At the end of the day, this is a smart move by a team that needs to get things right. The Falcons have been underwhelming so far this offseason, but at least they’re making sure they don’t get burned by the same mistake twice.
Younghoe Koo on Thin Ice? Falcons’ Latest Decision Raises Eyebrows
