Latest news with #LennyKrieg
New York Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
‘The brutal, honest truth' about the Falcons' international kicking competition
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Younghoe Koo knew his job was up for grabs before the Atlanta Falcons signed Lenny Krieg in March. He knew his job was up for grabs before he had the worst season of his career in 2024. He has known his job was up for grabs since the moment he got it with the Falcons in 2019. 'You're always competing,' Koo said. 'You're always getting evaluated.' Advertisement He knows that because he spent almost two years out of the NFL after getting cut by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, when he was trying to do what Krieg is aiming to do now — take one of the league's 32 jobs. 'It's not the first time having a kicker in the locker room with me,' Koo said. 'It's just kind of how it is in the NFL. (Krieg) is a great dude. He works hard. Competition is always good. You're always competing, whether somebody is physically here or not.' The Falcons ranked 31st in the league in field goal percentage last year (70.7), and general manager Terry Fontenot said fixing it was a priority entering the offseason. Koo missed three field goals in a 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 and another one in a 17-13 loss to the Chargers in Week 13. After Atlanta placed Koo on injured reserve, Riley Patterson missed a 56-yarder that would have beaten the Washington Commanders in Week 17 and a 52-yarder that would have given the Falcons a lead in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Week 18. 'We missed entirely too many kicks (last) year, that's the brutal, honest truth. That can't happen,' coach Raheem Morris said. 'We have to find a way to make those kicks. That plays into not winning the amount of games you want to win.' Koo is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $24 million deal signed before the 2022 season, which he earned on the strength of the 2019-2021 seasons, when he was the second-most accurate kicker in the league (97-for-104, 93.2 percent) behind only Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. Last season, Koo was 35th among kickers (73.5 percent) after missing a career-worst nine field goals (25 for 34). Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams said he believes Koo will return to his previous form this year because he never saw Koo's fundamentals or preparation slip last season, despite the lack of results. Advertisement 'I like his process and I know his process and I know how he prepares every single day and every single week,' Williams said. 'He'll put his best foot forward.' Koo spent the final four weeks of last season on IR with a hip muscle injury. 'I have dealt with it before,' he said. 'It was sore for a while, but it wasn't really affecting my swing that much. It just progressively got worse, so I decided to shut it down.' Koo has returned to full health and is on pace with his normal offseason schedule, which includes kicking twice a week this time of year. He plans to attend all Falcons voluntary OTAs this month to work out with his teammates and said he is happy to have Krieg alongside. Krieg is Atlanta's most interesting offseason addition. The 22-year-old German didn't kick a football until 2020 when his older brother, Jaycee, an American football coach in Germany, convinced him to see if he could turn his soccer background into a football future. Mr. Lenny Krieg. 🇪🇺🦵 — European League of Football (@ELF_Official) March 28, 2025 Lenny Krieg kicked for the Berlin Adler of the German Football League in 2021 and was then signed by the Stuttgart Surge of the European League of Football in 2022 and 2023. On most days during those three years, the fields his teams used for practice didn't have uprights, Krieg said, so he kicked over the soccer goals. 'Just imagination,' he said. Krieg's big break came in December 2024 when he was accepted to the NFL's International Player Pathway program, which led to an invitation to the NFL combine. 'It was pretty special,' Krieg said. 'My whole life changed after that call.' Krieg quit school and his real estate job and began to focus all his attention on football. At the combine, he made every kick with Williams on the field watching, which is what first got him on the Falcons' radar. Williams and Falcons special teams assistant Steven King then attended Krieg's pro day at the University of South Florida, and the Falcons signed him to a three-year contract the next day. Advertisement As a member of the IPP program, Krieg can remain on the team without counting against the league's roster limits, so Atlanta is incentivized to keep him around at least through the 2025 season. Whether he can eventually replace Koo is an open question. 'I'm just going to keep working, keep improving, make the most out of it, take it day by day and see where it takes me,' Krieg said. The competition won't just be decided on who makes the most practice kicks, Williams said. 'It's everything,' the coach said. 'It's your preparation, your process, how you operate, how you carry yourself as a professional, your mindset, your fundamentals, your technique. As a kicker, you have to be likable, too, because there is going to be a time you're going to miss a kick. It's going to happen. How are your teammates going to treat you? Are they going to be encouraging you, or are they going to be walking away from you? That's a huge part of it.' Koo didn't need the addition of Krieg to convince him this is an important offseason. 'Last year's performance, whether because of injury or not, was a motivating factor for me, but every season I try to reset and work hard,' Koo said. 'I'm always working on myself and trying to be the best version of myself, and I can live with the result.' (Photo of Younghoe Koo: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons To Play The Colts In Berlin
The Falcons are set to take on the Colts in Germany, for what will be the first NFL game played in the Olympiastadion. This game will feature two young quarterbacks going head-to-head in Berlin. Both Michael Penix Jr. and Anthony Richardson are raw talents who have not proven themselves just yet, and this game will be an entertaining one for fans. Both teams are also coming off mediocre seasons and both selected a top 10 player in the middle of round 1. Dec 29, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium.© Amber Searls-Imagn Images The Falcons signed Kicker Lenny Krieg who is a Berlin Native recently and that could have fans rooting for the Falcons in this game. The fans will have a lot to root for as both teams are young and exciting. Advertisement Falcons President Greg Beadles is grateful for the opportunity of the team playing in Germany. He mentioned how important this is for expansion of the NFL globally. This is only one of the few games already out there as the schedule is fully released on May 14. This will be one of the Falcons most entertaining games going against Richardson and the offense that has Jonathan Taylor. As the schedule launch prepares for the 14th, the Falcons already know their opponents but will soon find out when they play who. They will look to improve this season with their new key additions from the draft and their young stars gaining more experience. The Falcons and Colts will be a game to look out for as both teams look to jump into the playoffs this season. Related: How Rookie Xavier Watts Can Be An X-Factor Related: Falcons Sign First-Round Picks To Rookie Deals
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons free agency tracker: Atlanta signs two more players
Falcons free agency tracker: Atlanta signs two more players Falcons updated NFL free agency tracker: Every move Atlanta has made thus far The Atlanta Falcons weren't expected to be major players in NFL free agency and they weren't for the first couple of weeks. The team has since added several depth players and a couple of new starters on defense. Check out our 2025 Falcons free agency tracker to follow along with every signing (updated 3/28/2025). Falcons sign TE Teagan Quitoriano The Falcons have signed tight end Teagan Quitoriano. The 25-year-old was selected by the Texans in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Oregon State. He spent the last three seasons in Houston, recording nine catches for 146 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 23 career games (15 starts). Falcons sign kicker Lenny Krieg to 3-year deal According to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Atlanta Falcons have signed kicker Lenny Krieg to a three-year contract. The German-born kicker impressed at the NFL's International Player Pathway program pro day. Falcons sign KR Jamal Agnew to one-year deal According to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, the Falcons have signed Pro Bowl kick returner Jamal Agnew to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Agnew previously played for special teams coordinator Marquice Williams in Detroit back in 2020. Falcons sign TE/QB Feleipe Franks Former quarterback-turned-tight end Feleipe Franks has returned to Atlanta. Franks made the Falcons roster as an undrafted free agent in 2021, appearing in nine games as a rookie. Last year, he played in 16 games for the Carolina Panthers. Vikings sign ex-Falcons WR Rondale Moore After visiting with four teams in free agency, former Falcons wide receiver Rondale Moore agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings. Moore did not play in a game last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in training camp. Falcons sign safety Jordan Fuller, per report According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Falcons are signing veteran safety Jordan Fuller. The 27-year-old reunited with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, who was Fuller's defensive coordinator in Los Angeles when the team won the Super Bowl in 2021. Rams sign ex-Falcons LB Nate Landman Linebacker Nate Landman has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The former undrafted free agent was not expected to return to Atlanta once the team declined to sign his free agency tender. Landman, 26, has appeared in 36 games over the last three seasons. Falcons sign DL Kentavius Street On Monday, the Falcons officially announced a handful of moves that had been previously reported and one new signing. The team officially has brought back veteran defensive lineman Kentavius Street. The 28-year-old appeared in 13 games last season for Atlanta and is a good depth addition after losing Grady Jarrett. Falcons sign DL Morgan Fox Former Chargers defensive lineman Morgan Fox is signing with the Falcons on a two-year, $8.5 million contract, according to a report from the NFL Network. Fox, 30, appeared in all 17 games with three starts last season. For his career, he's recorded 27.5 sacks, 51 QB hits and 33 tackles for loss. Falcons sign CB Keith Taylor On Friday, the Falcons signed free agent cornerback Keith Taylor. The former Chiefs DB played in 11 games last season for Kansas City. The former fifth-round pick has appeared in 45 games since entering the league in 2021. RB/PR Avery Williams signs with Eagles According to a report from NFL insider Dianna Russini, former Falcons running back/return specialist has agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, Williams returned 20 punts for 185 total yards, while returning 15 kickoffs for another 408 yards (27.2 yards per return). Falcons sign OL Brandon Parker On Thursday, the team announced it had re-signed veteran offensive lineman Brandon Parker. While he didn't play in a game for Atlanta last season, he can be a versatile depth piece for the team if he makes the 53-man roster in 2025. Falcons re-sign OT Storm Norton According to Norton's agency, "JL Sports," the Falcons are giving the veteran lineman a two-year contract. The 30-year-old spent the last two seasons in Atlanta, starting four games. Falcons re-sign LB Josh Woods Atlanta brought back linebacker Josh Woods, who appeared in five games for the team last season. While Woods is primarily a special teams contributor, he's an experienced veteran who adds depth to a defense that looks fairly thin at the moment. The 28-year-old has played for four different teams over his seven-year NFL career. Falcons re-sign OL Elijah Wilkinson The Falcons re-signed veteran offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has played at both guard and tackle and started nine games for Atlanta in 2022. After leaving for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, Wilkinson returned to Atlanta last season and appeared in two games. Falcons re-sign guard Kyle Hinton In the third of the Falcons' Wednesday evening signings, the team brought back veteran offensive lineman Kyle Hinton. The former seventh-round pick has spent the last two seasons in Atlanta, making just one start. He's a good depth addition to the interior offensive line. Falcons re-sign WR KhaDarel Hodge The Falcons have brought back Pro Bowl wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge on a two-year, $6 million contract. Hodge caught the game-winning touchdown to defeat the Buccaneers in Week 5. The veteran also made several plays on special teams, blocking multiple punts in a Week 15 win over the Raiders. Falcons re-sign DL Ta'Quon Graham Atlanta agreed to re-sign veteran defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham shortly after the start of the new league year. Graham, a fifth-round pick from the 2021 NFL draft, has appeared in 49 games with 16 starts. The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Falcons agree to terms with CB Mike Ford According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons have agreed to terms with cornerback Mike Ford on a two-year, $4 million contract. Ford played for the team in 2022, appearing in all 17 games with two starts. Falcons agree to terms with EDGE Leonard Floyd On Tuesday, the Falcons finally addressed their biggest need, agreeing to terms with veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd on a reported one-year, $10 million contract. The former first-round pick has recorded at least 8.5 sacks in each of the last five seasons. Falcons agree to terms with CB Mike Hughes Hughes, 28, returns to Atlanta on a reported three-year, $18 million contract. The veteran cornerback gives the team more stability in the secondary behind A.J. Terrell. The former first-round pick started 15 games for the Falcons last season and played some of the best football of his career. Falcons agree to terms with LB Divine Deablo The Falcons agreed to terms with their first free agent on Tuesday morning. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team is expected to sign linebacker Divine Deablo to a two-year, $14 million contract. The former third-round pick started 14 games last season for the Raiders. Deablo could be a replacement for Lorenzo Carter, who's also a free agent. Richie Grant agrees to terms with San Francisco 49ers According to a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, former Falcons second-round pick Richie Grant has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal. Grant, 27, started 32 games for Atlanta from 2022-2023 but lost his job to Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons in 2024. Simmons is also a free agent, although the Falcons may choose to go in a different direction or let DeMarcco Hellams take over at strong safety in 2025. Grady Jarrett agrees to terms with Chicago Bears The Falcons lost two starters to the Bears on Monday, with veteran Grady Jarrett following Dalman to Chicago on a reported three-year, $43.5 million contract. Jarrett has spent his entire 10-year career in Atlanta and should benefit from playing with a better supporting cast on the Bears. Drew Dalman agrees to terms with Chicago Bears As many predicted, the Falcons have lost starting center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears. The Bears signed Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract on Monday afternoon. The deal includes $28 million in guaranteed money. Chicago continues to make big moves under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The Falcons will now need to find a new starting center. Falcons release DT Grady Jarrett after 10 seasons Jarrett was released on Monday morning in one of the NFL's more shocking pre-free agency moves. While an extension was also possible, the Falcons opted to move on from the face of their defense for the last 10 NFL seasons. Jarrett should have plenty of interest around the league as a free agent. The Falcons freed up $16.2 million by cutting the veteran defensive lineman. Falcons extend LT Jake Matthews on 2-year deal Matthews signed a two-year, $45 million extension with the team on Sunday evening. According to Over The Cap's projections, the team saves around $11 million by extending the veteran left tackle. This was the first major move Atlanta made and makes the team cap compliant in time for the start of the new league year. Falcons sign long snapper Liam McCullough to extension While not as big as some of these other moves, the Falcons brought back Liam McCullough on a reported four-year extension last week. McCullough has been a steady part of the Atlanta's special teams unit for the last three seasons. The 27-year-old has quietly done his job and now gets rewarded with a little more job security. Falcons' updated salary cap numbers (projected) The Falcons freed up over $16 million by releasing Grady Jarrett and another $11 million by extending Jake Matthews. Prior to these moves, the team was nearly $6 million over the cap but now Atlanta has roughly $21 million in cap space entering free agency.
NBC Sports
27-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Falcons agree to terms with German-born K Lenny Krieg
The Falcons agreed to terms with German-born kicker Lenny Krieg, Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports. The team had Krieg on a free agent visit after he kicked at the NFL's International Player Pathway program Pro Day. Krieg had other trips scheduled but signed with the first team that hosted him. The Falcons have Younghoe Koo coming off a right hip injury that landed him on injured reserve last season, and his replacement, Riley Patterson, also remains on their roster. Krieg was a soccer player before watching YouTube and Instagram videos to learn how to kick an American football after his older brother returned from the University of Wisconsin excited about the game. Krieg kicked for the Stuttgart Surge in 2023 and 2024 before joining the NFL's International Player Pathway.
