If there is one consistent frustration with Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, it has been blind loyalty to failing players.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins imploded the 2024 season while the coach simply sat back and continued to defend the veteran despite it being obvious that something had gone horribly wrong. The same story has played out with kicker Younghoe Koo, who consistently showed he couldn't be relied on a season ago. Atlanta blamed an injury and moved Koo to injured reserve, adding Riley Patterson to finish out the season.
Patterson was fine, but the Falcons still wanted to keep the status quo with Koo in 2025. Predictably, this went awry in Week 1, making Morris' comments from earlier in the summer age poorly. Now, it seems like Atlanta's bench boss has finally changed his tune.
Falcons HC Raheem Morris is Finally Admitting Defeat with Struggling Kicker Younghoe Koo
Sunday's game-sealing miss was enough to convince even Morris that a change needed to be made. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that John Parker Romo had been signed to Atlanta's practice squad to compete with Koo. The 28-year-old K played four games with the Minnesota Vikings a season ago, going 11-of-12 (91.7%) in what was a solid showing. It is hard to argue against Parker Romo being a clear upgrade that can give Atlanta a much-needed boost after a brutal Week 1 loss.
For Morris, the head coach is showing signs of growth in the fact that he is willing to search for an upgrade. A season ago, the inexperience would've shown up in the fact that he would've doubled down on a player with whom he has a relationship. Someone who can form relationships and have the trust of his players is a good thing, but that connection has its limits.
Signing Parker Romo is a great decision and gives the Falcons some level of hope of finding stability at the position. For Koo, it seems that the end is quickly nearing for the once historically reliable kicker if he can't turn things around soon.
The Falcons' signing serves as a reminder of just how quickly things can go awry for a player, no matter their level of accomplishments. Atlanta is making the fight decision even as it likely pains their head coach and a roster that has immense respect for the failing kicker.