Michael

Koenen

Koenen was perfect on four of four field goals all from beyond 40 yards, including a 50-yarder and a 40-yard game winner. Tony Yelk made one extra point but was not involved in the field-goal equation.

Because he can rock long field goals and plays indoors, Koenen could be a decent bye-week pickup with the right matchup if he’s the Falcons’ starting placekicker this season. Tony Yelk got hurt in the game.

He will also be their punter. Koenen has a big leg so he could be a nice pickup against a weaker team, preferably at home in the dome.

This was expected after Koenen struggled badly the last two seasons. Tampa Bay will save $3.3 million by releasing him. Jacob Schum is expected to take over punting duties.

Just tying up some loose ends. Koenen is no longer considered a viable placekicking option, but has a huge leg for punting. He was undrafted, so he likely would’ve been long gone without a high tender.

Koenen may have been concussed while attempting a tackle just before the end of the first half. Placekicker Matt Bryant punted early in the third quarter, so Koenen’s day is likely done.

Davis will get $927,000 in 2008, while Koenen will make $1.417 million. A Falcons beat writer suggested last week that Davis might be in the running to start at left end in 2008, but he’s never been a pressure player with only four sacks through three pro seasons. Unless Jamaal Anderson really struggles in training camp, that position probably won’t be up for grabs.

Koenen was Atlanta’s franchise player a year ago, collecting $2.483 million, so he’ll be pricey to keep. The Falcons are forced to give him a 10% raise.

Koenen was signed to a six-year, $19.5 million deal in 2011. He’ll be an easy cut after being one of the worst punters in the league the last two seasons. The Bucs will save $3.3 million by releasing Koenen.

The salary constitutes 110% of his 2009 base pay, which was required after Atlanta franchise tagged him two winters ago. Koenen, 28 in July, is one of the strongest-legged punters in the game, in addition to being a super kickoff specialist. He’ll be a candidate for a long-term deal this summer.