Aug. 14, 2005

ATLANTA, Georgia -

BELLINGHAM HERALD

Former Western Washington University kicker/punter Michael Koenen had a strong game for the Atlanta Falcons in NFL preseason action Saturday.

Koenen had three punts and two long kickoffs as Atlanta improved to 2-0 in the preseason with the 16-3 victory.

Koenen punted three times for an average of 40.3 yards, including a long of 45 yards and one inside the 20-yard line. He had a kickoff of 74 yards that went 4 yards deep in the end zone and a 66-yard kickoff to the 4-yard line.

The standout from Ferndale is competing with two others to make the Falcons' roster as a punter and kickoff specialist. Toby Gowin had three punts for a 34.7-yard average, a long of 40 and one inside the 20. Gowin had three kickoffs to the Ravens' 2, 4 and 5.