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FalconsKickingCarouselSlowsYounghoeKooRemainsFrontrunner

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 9:10 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Atlanta Falcons’ kicking situation, a source of anxiety and amusement in recent years, appears to be settling into a familiar groove: Younghoe Koo is once again the presumptive favorite heading into the 2025 season. While competition hasn't entirely vanished, the veteran kicker has consistently outperformed challengers throughout training camp and preseason games, solidifying his position as the team’s reliable option between the uprights.

The saga of Falcons kickers has been a rollercoaster ride for fans. From the infamous Matt Bryant era to the brief but chaotic stints of Rodrigo Blankenship and Jasper Mock, the team has struggled to find consistent stability at the position. The arrival of Koo in 2020 offered a glimmer of hope, and he’s largely delivered, showcasing remarkable accuracy and composure under pressure. However, general manager Terry Fontanetta's penchant for evaluating every possible option – a strategy intended to ensure competition and maintain depth – has kept the kicking carousel spinning, even with Koo performing at a high level.

This year is no different. The Falcons brought in two challengers: rookie Grant Verchek out of Georgia Tech and veteran Elliot Fry, hoping to push Koo and potentially unseat him. Both kickers have had moments, demonstrating flashes of potential that briefly raised eyebrows around the team’s headquarters. Verchek, known for his powerful leg, has shown promise with distance kicks but has struggled with consistency on shorter field goals, a critical area for any NFL kicker. Fry, a seasoned veteran who's bounced around several teams, possesses experience and a solid technique but lacks the explosive power of Verchek and hasn’t consistently matched Koo’s accuracy.

Despite the efforts of his competitors, Koo has maintained an edge throughout camp. His performance in the preseason games has been particularly impressive. He’s demonstrated not only pinpoint accuracy on field goals but also strong leg strength for kickoffs, a crucial component of a complete kicker's skillset. According to head coach Raheem Morris, Koo’s mental fortitude and unwavering focus are just as valuable as his physical abilities. "He doesn't get rattled," Morris stated after the team's most recent preseason game. “That’s what you want in a guy who has to perform under pressure like that.”

The competition hasn’t been entirely one-sided, however. Verchek’s occasional booming kicks have generated excitement among fans and provided valuable data for special teams coordinator Kenny Benjamin, allowing him to assess the team's kickoff strategy. Fry’s experience has also proven beneficial in providing a veteran perspective on game management and pressure situations.

While Fontanetta maintains that he won’t officially declare Koo the undisputed kicker until roster cuts are finalized, all signs point towards him retaining his spot. The team values depth at every position, and both Verchek and Fry will likely be candidates for the practice squad or could potentially attract interest from other teams looking for a backup kicker.

The ongoing evaluation process reflects Fontanetta’s broader philosophy of fostering competition throughout the roster. He believes that pushing players to their limits ultimately benefits the team's performance. However, the repeated attempts to challenge Koo have also drawn criticism from some fans who simply want stability at a position where consistency is paramount.

Looking ahead, the Falcons will need Koo to continue his reliable performance. The upcoming season promises to be challenging, and every point will matter in a competitive NFC South division. A dependable kicker capable of converting crucial field goals can significantly impact game outcomes, and Koo has proven himself to be that player for Atlanta. While the kicking competition may not be completely over, Younghoe Koo’s consistent excellence suggests he'll once again be leading the charge for the Falcons. The team will continue to monitor his performance and the progress of his competitors, but for now, the spotlight remains firmly on the veteran kicker who has brought a much-needed sense of stability to Atlanta’s special teams unit. The future of Verchek and Fry remain uncertain, but their presence served as a reminder that even established players must continually prove their worth in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. For Koo, it's another opportunity to demonstrate his value and solidify his place as the Falcons' go-to man for kicking duties.