The 2024 season was a mess in a lot of ways for the Falcons, particularly at the quarterback position. However, the kicking game, which had been a strength for a number of years, also cost Atlanta 3-4 games, . Younghoe Koo, who had been among the best kickers in football over the last several seasons prior, experienced a combination of injuries and the yips. He’ll have a chance to be the starting kicker again in 2025, but the job will not be handed to him.
According to Atlanta’s special teams coach Marquice Williams, there will be an open competition between Yonghoe Koo and Lenny Krieg leading up to the season.
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Koo obviously has the track record and cache with the Falcons. He hit at least 86.5% of his kicks from 2019 to 2023. His most impressive campaign came in 2020 when he nailed nearly 95% of his attempts.
However, Koo’s 2025 campaign was marred by inconsistencies and injuries, leading to a 73.5% clip, which was in the bottom third among all place kickers, most of whom don’t have a job this season.
The new guy is Lenny Krieg, a German kicker who impressed Atlanta in workouts. Koo is only under contract for two more seasons, and a little healthy competition never hurt anyone. May the best leg win.
