ATLANTA (AP) — The outcomes of Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo’s two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 could not have been more dissimilar.
Koo was solely responsible for the Falcons’ 16-13 victory over the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in October. As time expired, he made a game-winning 51-yard field goal. As they celebrated on the field, his teammates hoisted him on their shoulders.
Koo uninvitedly blamed himself for the Falcons’ 29-25 rematch loss to the Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. During the game, he missed two field-goal attempts.
“I cost us today,” said Koo. “That’s all me.”
Off kicks were 50 and 52 yards long. Both took place in the second quarter. When the first game went wrong, the scoreboard was completely messed up. The Falcons were trailing by two points when the second missed.
In a game where the Falcons’ depth on both offense and defense was tested, special teams personnel remained consistent: Liam McCullough snapped the ball, while Bradley Pinion held it for Koo.
“It was good operation by Liam and Bradley – good snap, good hold,” he said. “I just didn’t hit it hard enough.” It was insufficient.”
Mathematically, the Falcons would have won if Koo had made those two field goals. But only if nothing else on the play-by-play sheet changed. So, in any case, victory would not have been a foregone conclusion.
“Honestly, it’s not Koo’s fault,” said Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. “As an offense, we got to do better, get him a better field position so he’s not kicking 50-plus yards every single time he’s got to go kick the ball.”
In the first quarter, Koo hit a 20-yard field goal. He was also 2-for-2 on free throws.
After one of their three touchdowns, the Falcons chose a 2-point conversion.
That was the smart move because it put the Falcons up three points instead of two; a Buccaneers field goal would then tie the game, not take the lead. The decision had nothing to do with Koo.
“Guys played their asses off, and I feel like I cost them today,” he said. “I’m just going to get back to work.” That’s all I can offer.”
Koo missed more than one field goal in a single game for the first time since his rookie season. The only other time Koo went 1-for-3 in the Los Angeles Chargers’ 19-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins was on Sept. 17, 2017.
Koo has made 147 of his 165 field-goal attempts between his time with the Chargers (2017) and now with the Falcons (2019-23). That equates to an 89.1% success rate.
Koo has made 25 of his 28 field-goal attempts (89.3%) this season. His only other missed kick was a 47-yarder in Week 3’s 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions. Prior to Sunday, he was 3-for-3 at or beyond the 50-yard mark.
“He’s a captain for a reason,” said Falcons wide receiver Drake London. “We will always support Koo.” He’s a machine. For him, this was just a fluke of a game. I’m sure he’ll be even hungrier when he returns. He won’t miss another one, I promise.”
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