Younghoe Koo's Reign Continues: Falcons Kicking Competition Settles (For Now)

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 8:37 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Atlanta Falcons’ kicking competition, a source of minor drama throughout the offseason, appears to have settled with veteran Younghoe Koo emerging as the presumptive starter. While the door isn’t completely shut on challenger Casey Bratz, head coach Raheem Morris has consistently signaled that Koo is holding firm in his position, reinforcing the stability the team desperately needs heading into the 2025 season.

The saga began after a somewhat inconsistent 2024 campaign for Koo, prompting the Falcons to bring in Bratz through free agency. The move was intended to push Koo and ensure the team had a reliable option at a crucial position. Kicking can be notoriously unpredictable; one bad game can swing momentum dramatically, making having a proven backup – or even a genuine competition – seemingly prudent.

However, from the outset of training camp, Koo has demonstrated the form and consistency that made him such a valuable asset to the Falcons in previous years. His accuracy on field goals, particularly from beyond 50 yards, has been impressive, and his kickoffs have maintained their power and distance. This performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by Morris or special teams coordinator Drew Butler, who have both publicly praised Koo's work ethic and dedication.

"Younghoe is doing everything we've asked of him," Morris stated recently. "He's focused on his craft, putting in the extra reps, and really just being a professional. He understands what’s at stake."

Bratz, meanwhile, has shown flashes of potential but hasn’t consistently matched Koo’s performance. While he possesses a strong leg, his accuracy has been less consistent, particularly under pressure. The young kicker is still adjusting to the speed and intensity of the NFL game, and the Falcons are taking a patient approach with his development.

The competition isn't just about kicking ability; it also involves mental fortitude and adaptability. Koo’s experience in handling high-pressure situations has been invaluable. He’s proven he can perform under the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and deliver when the team needs him most. This intangible quality is difficult to quantify but undeniably important for a kicker.

"It's not just about kicking the ball through the uprights," Butler explained. "It's about handling the pressure, reading the field, and being reliable in critical moments. Younghoe has that experience, and it shows."

The Falcons’ decision to retain Koo as the presumptive starter isn’t a dismissal of Bratz’s potential. The team views him as a valuable developmental piece who can continue to learn from Koo and contribute on special teams. He'll likely remain on the roster as a backup, providing insurance in case of injury or unexpected performance issues with Koo.

The importance of a reliable kicker cannot be overstated. In today’s NFL, where games are often decided by narrow margins, field goals can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Falcons learned this lesson firsthand during their struggles in previous seasons when inconsistent kicking plagued their efforts. Bringing in Bratz was partly an attempt to avoid repeating those past mistakes.

While the competition has provided a welcome challenge for both kickers, it’s clear that Koo is currently the man for the job. His consistent performance and experience have solidified his position as the Falcons' preferred option at kicker. The team hopes that this stability will translate into success on the field and contribute to a winning season in 2025.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to ensuring Koo maintains his current level of play throughout the regular season. The pressure will be on him to deliver consistently, especially in crucial games. Bratz’s continued development is also something the Falcons will monitor closely, as he represents a potential long-term solution at the position should the need arise. For now, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Younghoe Koo, the presumptive king of the Atlanta Falcons' kicking game.

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Younghoe Koo's Reign Continues: Falcons Kicking Competition Settles (For Now)