Giants Kicker Koo Hits Turf on 47-Yard FG Try in Loss

In a stunning mishap during Monday Night Football, New York Giants kicker Younghoe Koo completely whiffed on a 47-yard field goal attempt, striking the turf instead of the ball and handing possession back to the New England Patriots in the second quarter of their 33-15 loss at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The incident occurred with the Giants trailing 17-7 late in the half, after a deep pass from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to tight end Theo Johnson fell incomplete in the end zone. Opting for the field goal to narrow the gap to a single score, Koo approached the ball held by punter Jamie Gillan. But as he swung his right foot, Koo's toe planted firmly into the grass about a half-yard short of the ball, causing him to stumble forward awkwardly. The untouched football remained in place as Gillan scrambled to advance it, only to be tackled by the Patriots' special teams unit for a 13- to 15-yard loss behind the line of scrimmage. The play was ruled a turnover on downs, denying the Giants any points and allowing New England to maintain control heading into halftime. Officials did not record the effort as a field goal attempt in the box score.