Baltimore Ravens Kicker Faces Uncharacteristic Struggles
Baltimore Ravens fans have long considered kicker Justin Tucker a beacon of reliability. Renowned as the most accurate kicker in the history of the NFL, Tucker boasts a career field goal percentage of 89.7%. However, recent performances have introduced unexpected turbulence into what has typically been a steady and flourishing career.
At 34 years old, Tucker is experiencing a season marked by unusual challenges. Currently, his field goal percentage stands at 79%, placing him seventh-worst among NFL kickers with a minimum of ten attempts. This statistic sharply contrasts with his established reputation, given that as recently as last season, Tucker’s record from 50 yards or beyond was 4 of 12—evidence of a historical knack for long-distance accuracy.
In a recent matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers that resulted in an 18-16 loss for the Ravens, Tucker missed two lengthy field goal attempts in the first quarter. This mishap marked a significant departure from his norm; it was the first time in franchise history that a Ravens kicker had missed two field goals in the opening quarter of a game. When asked about the possibility of a common cause behind his missed kicks, Tucker’s response was concise but telling: "Not really, no," he said, further elaborating, "Each kick is its own kick."
Despite his early struggles in the Steelers game, Tucker managed to convert a crucial 54-yard field goal in the third quarter. Before that successful kick, he implemented a critical adjustment, a decision that underscores his resilience and capacity to adapt under pressure. As Tucker himself noted, he "made a tweak before his third attempt," illustrating his awareness and commitment to rectifying in-game challenges.
While his long-distance performance presents a challenge, Tucker remains flawless from mid-range distances, completing all of his attempts from 20 to 39 yards—he is 3 of 3 within 20-29 yards and 6 of 6 from 30-39 yards. From 40 to 49 yards, he maintains a respectable record of 4 for 6. These statistics highlight that Tucker’s difficulties are exclusively situated beyond the 50-yard mark, where he has made 3 of 7 attempts this season.
Tucker’s performance in extra-point scenarios continues to be nearly impeccable. He has successfully converted 38 out of 39 extra-point attempts this year. However, should Tucker miss one more field goal this season, he will tie his personal record of seven misses in a single season, a benchmark set in 2015.
With six games remaining on their 2024 schedule, the Ravens will undoubtedly be counting on Tucker to reclaim his rhythmic precision. His experience and previous consistency suggest that he has a strong potential to regain his footing, contributing crucial points as the team searches for playoff success.
For now, fans and teammates watch closely, hoping that Tucker will reaffirm his status as a cornerstone of the Ravens' special teams. Moving forward, each kick rests upon the foundation of Tucker’s storied legacy and indomitable spirit, both of which have defined him throughout his notable career.