Koo’s Late Miss Hands Bucs 23-20 Win Over Falcons

ATLANTA, Sept. 7 (AP) - Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo drove the Falcons 60 yards late in the fourth quarter but saw his 44-yard field-goal attempt sail wide right with two seconds remaining, handing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a 23-20 victory.

The fully loaded drive capped an impressive push by rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who completed 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and orchestrated an 18-play, 91-yard march to set up the potential game-tying kick. Koo’s miss not only denied Atlanta a chance at overtime but also underscored his ongoing struggles, having already endured nine missed field goals last season and an earlier attempt in this game that clanged off the right upright.

Tampa Bay seized the lead moments earlier when quarterback Baker Mayfield connected with rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka on a 25-yard touchdown with just 59 seconds remaining, capping a swift five-play, 63-yard drive. A subsequent extra point miss by Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin left the door open for Atlanta’s bid.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Penix Jr. found wide receiver Bijan Robinson for a one-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal, putting the Falcons ahead 20-17 at the 2:17 mark. Despite outgaining Tampa Bay 358 to 260 yards, Atlanta could not overcome its kicking woes.

Koo’s late miss may put his roster spot in jeopardy as the Falcons prepare for Week 2. Atlanta returns home to face the Tennessee Titans, while Tampa Bay will host the Carolina Panthers.