After missing the game-tying kick on Sunday, Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo was nowhere to be found to respond to questions from the media in Atlanta.
While his teammates were forced to speak in his defense, the veteran opted to dodge the Falcons' media altogether, leaving the locker room early. Zach Klein of WSB 2 reported the fact that Koo avoided answering for the game-losing mistake and clearly was unenthused with the decision. This is easy to understand when you consider the veteran's tenure with the franchise and the leadership and accountability that you'd expect to come with it.
In Koo's defense, it is understandable to be emotional and want to escape such a tough moment. There is a very real chance it was the last moment of his career in Atlanta. Regardless, the right decision is to stay in the moment and accept responsibility for the loss.
Falcons Kicker Younghoe Koo Finally Shows up After Dodging Media After Sunday's Loss
Falcons beat writer Terrin Waack reported the kicker's first comments since the missed field goal, with Koo taking an understandable approach to the hard moment. Voicing confidence is important if there is any chance of retaining the role. With this in mind, Koo had the following comments to offer when questioned about the game-losing miss.
"“It’s tough, obviously. But as always, just got to move forward. Definitely frustrated. Had a great offseason, great camp. Two weeks leading into Week 1, I felt great. I still do.”"Younghoe Koo
In truth, it is hard to make much of these comments, with Koo providing a basic response that offers zero insight. Koo feeling great and talking about his strong camp isn't going to help Atlanta's 0-1 start or leave any level of confidence moving forward. Raheem Morris has already made it clear that kickers will be worked out this week. It is a needed upgrade, having cost the Falcons two games of the last four.
During the 2024 season, Riley Patterson missed a potential game-winner after a nice drive from Penix. Fast forward to the first game of the 2025 season, and Koo missed a potential game-tying kick. Two of Penix's four starts have been lost due to special teams units that were unable to deliver. The third loss was to Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers despite forcing overtime with a great late scoring drive.
If the Falcons had a better kicking situation, Penix would be off to a 3-1 start in his career instead of the less-than-impressive 1-3 record he owns. Regardless, the Falcons must turn their attention to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football in what will be a pivotal game for both organizations' 2025 hopes.