FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When the Atlanta Falcons first met the New Orleans Saints in Week 4 of the season, kicker Younghoe Koo emerged as the hero.
He made four field goals in the Falcons' 26-24 victory, including a game-winning kick in overtime from 58 yards out, which stands as the longest make of Koo's career. In the aftermath, Koo was celebrated for coming through in the clutch as he has numerous times during his six-year run with the franchise.
"It's hard to say you're not going to have confidence in that young man and what he is able to do," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said immediately after that win. "I believe it was a 58-yarder, and it looked good from probably a little bit further. You are always going to have a lot of confidence in Koo and what he does and how he goes about his process."
When the Falcons lost to the Saints, 20-17, in Week 10, Koo was the scapegoat. That confidence, at least among the fan base, was shaken.
The typically reliable kicker missed two field goals on Sunday and had another blocked. It was the first time in Koo's career that he had three failed attempts in a single game, and in an outcome decided by just four points, the nine left off the board stood out.
He accepted responsibility after the game for his role in the outcome.
"This game is on me, and I'll take that," Koo said. "It's not OK. I think we played well enough to win the football game, especially this one. I let the team down and I don't take that lightly."
It's the kind of realistic and honest response Koo often gives. The stoic kicker prides himself on remaining level-headed through the good times and the bad, a necessary mentality for a volatile vocation.
Right now, Koo finds himself in a rough patch. He's connected on just eight of his last 15 kicks, which is the least successful stretch of his NFL career. He has made 17 of his 24 field goal attempts this season, which places him 24th among qualified kickers with a conversion rate of 70.8%. That mark is well shy of Koo's average success rate of 90% in his seasons with the Falcons prior to 2024. But while there's no denying those numbers need to change, Morris is standing by his kicker.
"Younghoe Koo is one of those guys that's mentally tough," Morris said. "He's sharp, he's focused and he's able to go out there and win football games for us at any time. If I had another snap, I was going to let him fly and let him have a redemption Sunday. So, my confidence is at a high level with him."
A tough aspect of any coach's job can be determining how long to stand by a slumping player, especially one with a long history of performance. Too long and results could be negatively impacted and morale diminished. Too short and a player's confidence may be shaken and a return to form hindered.
Morris has been in a similar situation before involving another Falcons kicker, although neither were in Atlanta at the time. During the 2008 season, when Morris was the defensive backs coach in Tampa Bay, then-Bucs kicker Matt Bryant missed six field goals and an extra point during a nine-game stretch.
Morris took over as the head coach in Tampa Bay before the 2009 season, becoming the youngest head coach in NFL history at the time, but he had a tough decision to make fairly early in his tenure. An injury prevented Bryant from competing to retain his job as starting kicker, and the Buccaneers ultimately chose to release him in favor of Mike Nugent, who was 6-of-9 in the preseason.
Of course, Falcons fans know very well what happened next. Bryant was claimed off waivers by Atlanta late during the 2009 season and went on to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer and a fan-favorite over an 11-year run.
Koo's own journey isn't dissimilar.
After a standout career at Georgia Southern, Koo started in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. In just his second game, however, Koo missed a pair of kicks in a two-point loss to the Miami Dolphins. Although he was perfect in his next two appearances, Koo was released by the Chargers following the team's 0-4 start to the season.
Koo's shot at redemption came in Atlanta, when he was signed to take over for Bryant during the 2019 season. He has forged his own path since then, becoming one of the most reliable kickers in the league. Koo has the second-most field goals made and ranks eighth in field-goal percentage since 2019.
Those numbers don't do anything to change the current situation. Performance in the NFL is paramount, after all. However, history is filled with lessons for those who seek them out, which Morris often does. He's seen the turnarounds a kicker can make. He's worked with two of the league's best examples.
Perhaps that's why his confidence in Koo remains high.
"I've got Steph Curry on my team, and he's having a slump right now, or a slump in that day," Morris said. "I'm not moving on from Steph because he missed some threes. We love Younghoe Koo and what he's able to do."
Immerse yourself in the subtle drama of the Falcons-Saints meetup at Caesars Superdome with our monochrome snapshots from Week 10, shot on Sony.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 in the locker room prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 in the locker room prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 warms up prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 departs the hotel prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in the locker room prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett # 97 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and guests prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 hands off to running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during the first quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 and running back Tyler Allgeier #25 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a pass during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matt Hennessy #61 walks out prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 reacts after a first down reception during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32, cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. #33, and cornerback Dee Alford #20 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes during the fourth quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass during the first quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs after a catch during the third quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 arrives prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 rushes during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass during the first quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 walks out prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scene setters prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris arrives prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates with quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 arrives prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 arrives prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 huddle prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 arrives prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Sideline view during the national anthem prior to the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
