After Younghoe Koo missed the 44-yard game-tying field goal Sunday in Atlanta, the Falcons still don’t recognize that they have a kicker problem.
Less than three weeks ago, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Koo has “some emotional bank accounts with me,” leading one to believe that Morris wouldn’t make a change.
Although Koo’s missed kick spoiled the game for Atlanta, the Falcons left the game with optimism surrounding the quarterback position.
Raheem Morris Says “We’ve Got to Make Those Kicks’
“Yeah, he missed it. Iâm not going to sit here and pretend I could tell you about the technique of what happened with that miss, but weâve got to make those kicks,” Morris said postgame. “Those are very makeable kicks and thatâs something weâve got to lock in and make those kicks and get it done.
“It goes to your preparation, your offseason, watching him train, watching him do what he has to do. Youâve got a lot of confidence in what heâs done for us in the past. That stuff doesnât happen, youâve got to make those changes and those corrections. Youâve got to have confidence in your guys and you always will.”
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Younghoe Koo #6 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Koo was placed on injured reserve in Week 16 of the Falconsâ 2024 season due to a hip injury, ending his year. However, concerns about Atlantaâs kicking game had already begun before his IR stint.
Last season, Koo made just 25 of 34 attemptsâa 73.5% success rate, the lowest of his career with the Falcons. His struggles were most evident in the Week 10, 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, where he missed three crucial kicks, including one that was blocked, in a game where every point mattered.
Morris said he wants to investigate why Koo missed the final kick before making “whiplash-type of decisions.”
“I donât want to make excuses for Koo, but youâve got to go find out those things right now,” he said.
Young QB Michael Penix Jr. Looked Stellar
Sunday’s game wasn’t quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s debut, but it was only the 25-year-old’s fourth career start. Despite that, Penix looked like a veteran, Morris said.
“He’s been poised in great moments, he’s been poised in big moments, and he’s been poised in moments like that,” Morris said. “I can’t say enough positive things about the young man and what he is able to do â even up until his last throw, potentially giving us a chance to win it in regulation.”
The Falcons dominated the final period with an 18-play, 91-yard scoring drive that started at their own 9-yard line and finished with a 4-yard scramble into the end zone by Penix. While 30 of those yards came courtesy of Buccaneers penalties, it was still the longest series of the game.
Penix turned in a strong performance, completing 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown through the air. He also added six carries for 21 yards and punched in a rushing score, showcasing both his arm and mobility in a well-rounded effort.
The Falcons fall to 0-1 and go on the road at the Minnesota Vikings next week for Sunday Night Football.
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