Falcons: Younghoe Koo one of the best kickers ever?

The Atlanta Falcons have been blessed with great kickers over the past few decades. Having guys like Morten Anderson, Matt Bryant, and now Younghoe Koo, you never feel nervous when they are sent out to make a clutch kick.

Morten Anderson is considered to be the greatest ever, and Matt Bryant is the most underrated kicker ever, but should we start talking about Younghoe Koo as one of the best of all time as well?

Falcons star kicker ranks top three in NFL history in the most important statistic

Atlanta Falcons fans love Younghoe Koo, he is one of the most likable players in all of sports. He made his way to the United States when he was young and if not for his childhood friends recommending he play football, the Falcons might still be searching for their next kicker.

But that is another story that has been talked about before, you can read about that story here.

What has not been talked about is Younghoe’s career field goal percentage and how it is top three in NFL history.

In his career Koo has played in 44 games, attempted 100 field goals, and has converted 90 of those field goals. Obviously, that means he has made 90% of his field goals, which means he has the third highest percentage in NFL history among kickers who have attempted at least 100 field goals.

The only two players ahead of him are Justin Tucker (91.1%) and Harrison Butker (90.1%).

Justin Tucker, many think is the best, or will be the best of all time by the time he is finished, and Harrison Butker isn’t too bad himself, but yet Younghoe Koo is right on their tails.

Many know that Koo’s NFL career got off to a rough start in 2017 when he was cut by the Chargers after four games in which he went three for six in field goals.

That means in 4 games with the Chargers he missed 3 out of his 6 field goals compared to missing just 7 in 94 attempts with the Falcons.

So, his field goal percentage with Atlanta is 92.6%, which would be good for first in NFL history, beating out both Tucker and Butker.

However, there is a big disclaimer with all of this, Younghoe Koo has not attempted nearly as many field goals as a guy like Justin Tucker. This is certainly a valid point, but if Koo keeps going the way he is going, his percentage will continue to rise.

Younghoe Koo is simply a much better kicker now than he was with the Chargers, therefore those three missed field goals with the Chargers become less and less impactful as Koo attempts more field goals.

Again, his career field goal percentage with Atlanta is 92.6%. If he had never played with the Chargers, and made his next six field goals to qualify for the minimum of 100 attempts, he would have the highest percentage in NFL history.

Not to mention, during his first year with the Falcons he missed three field goals, but then improved by only missing two in each of the last two seasons. He could keep getting better as time rolls on.

Koo is still young and is just beginning his NFL career, as long as he continues playing like he has over the past few years, then he will end up being one of the best ever, but for now, he just does not have enough attempts to slap that label on his quite yet.