Ex Stuttgart Surge standout Lenny Krieg challenges Koo for Atlanta Falcons’ starting kicker role in high-stakes camp battle
The Atlanta Falcons’ six-year veteran Younghoe Koo, coming off a career-low 73.5% field goal accuracy (25-34) in 2024, faces fierce competition from former Stuttgart Surge kicker Lenny Krieg for the starting role in one of the NFL’s most scrutinized training camp duels.
Krieg’s European pedigree meets NFL pressure
Signed via the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, Lenny Krieg arrives in Atlanta after a standout ELF career, converting 19-of-26 field goals (73.1%) and 101-of-126 extra points (80.2%) over two seasons with Stuttgart. His 2024 campaign included a league-best 99 points and a 52-yard career-long kick, though his 68.7% field goal accuracy (11-16) mirrors the inconsistency that plagued Koo last year.
Photo: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Camp showdown: Accuracy vs. resilience
Per Sports Illustrated’s Arkesh Ray, Krieg edged Koo early in camp with a cleaner performance on Day 1, but Koo rebounded with a 4-4 showing in rainy conditions, while Krieg went 3-4. Koo’s 86.7% career accuracy pre-2024 contrasts with Krieg’s unproven NFL transition, intensifying the Falcons’ dilemma: trust the veteran’s track record or gamble on the rookie’s upside.
Mentorship amid rivalry
Despite the stakes, Koo has supported Krieg, stating, “I try to help him any way I can.” However, the 29-year-old acknowledges the urgency: “Week 1 comes… it’s what matters right there.” Krieg, meanwhile, must prove his ELF success (80% FG accuracy in 2023) translates to NFL reliability.
With joint practices and preseason games looming, the battle hinges on consistency under pressure—a test that could redefine the Falcons’ special teams and fantasy football landscapes alike.
