Falcons bench Koo, elevate Romo: 'Koo ranks No. 29 among kickers in field goal percentage'
The Atlanta Falcons have benched veteran kicker Younghoe Koo, elevating Parker Romo from the practice squad ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Why it matters: This decision signifies a critical shift in the team's kicking strategy as they look to improve their performance on special teams.
Koo's recent struggles have prompted the Falcons to take decisive action, reflecting both the urgency of their current season and the pressure on players to perform at a high level.
What’s new: The Falcons choice to elevate Romo comes after Koo's inconsistent play, particularly highlighted by a missed 44-yard field goal that could have tied the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
- In that game, Koo managed to convert only 2 of 3 attempts.
- His cumulative field goal percentage this season stands at 73%, ranking him 29th out of 31 kickers with 20 or more attempts since the beginning of 2024.
Between the lines: Koo's downward trend raises concerns about his reliability in key moments.
- Last season, he recorded a career-low field goal percentage of 73.5%, which has continued into this year.
- Over his past nine games, his performance has been subpar, making just 12 of 20 attempts.
By the numbers: In contrast, Romo presents a compelling alternative for the Falcons.
- He was impressive with the Minnesota Vikings last season, successfully converting 11 of 12 field goals in just four games.
- Additionally, Romo showcased remarkable accuracy in the XFL in 2023, leading the league with an 89.5% conversion rate (17-of-19).
What to watch: As Romo steps into the starting role, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the Falcons' offensive scheme.
- His previous experience with the Vikings may offer insights into handling the pressure of NFL games, but it remains to be seen how well he can translate that success with a new team.
- The Falcons ability to maintain scoring drives will hinge significantly on Romo's performance, especially in tight contests.
What’s next: The Falcons will face the Vikings in a crucial game where special teams could play a pivotal role.
- If Romo can deliver consistent results, it may solidify his position as the team's primary kicker moving forward.
- Conversely, should he falter, the Falcons may need to reconsider their options heading into the later stages of the season.
The bottom line: With the elevation of Parker Romo, the Falcons are signaling a fresh start in their kicking game, hoping to regain confidence and reliability on special teams as the season progresses.
