Falcons plan to hold on to punter

[HMFFL]

The Falcons are preparing to place the franchise tag on punter Michael Koenen, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Koenen, a four-year veteran, would earn a salary of $2.48 million. He made $1.417 million last season.

Koenen would become an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 27 without the franchise tag.

Koenen, a undrafted free agent from Western Washington, was a key to the Falcons success last season. The hang time on his punts allowed the coverage unit to set an NFL record for fewest punt return yards allowed with 49. The previous mark of 53 yards was set by Buffalo in 1991.

Koenen adds additional value as the kicker on kickoffs and the holder for Jason Elam on field goals.

The decision to spend money on the punting position is a big departure for the team’s front office. In 2006, former Falcons coach Jim Mora dubbed Koenen “The Triple Threat” and went into the season with him handling punts, kickoffs and field goals.

The team needed to sign Morten Andersen after Koenen opened the season by missing 6-of-8 field goals. In 2007, the team re-signed Andersen after Matt Prater was inconsistent.

Last season, the Falcons signed Elam to secure the field goal kicking job. Koenen was free to concentrate on kickoffs, punting and holding.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sport ... unter.html

[lpsevier]

I hope we give him a long term deal.

Special teams cannot be overlooked.