Since stepping in as the Baltimore Ravens' kicker in 2012, Justin Tucker has been synonymous with reliability and precision. His ability to split the uprights under pressure has earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable kickers in the NFL. However, this season has presented Tucker with challenges that even his storied career has rarely encountered.
Uncharacteristic Struggles This Season
This season, Tucker's performances have deviated from his typical consistency. His field goal conversion rate has dipped to 72.7%, a marked contrast to his career average up to this point, a sterling 89.348%. These figures reveal a stark reality: Tucker is currently grappling with a slump that is unfamiliar territory for the veteran kicker.
A recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers underscored these difficulties. Tucker went 1-for-3 in field goal attempts, with all his attempts coming from beyond 40 yards. In this instance, he did manage to nail a 54-yard goal, adjusting his approach with deft precision on the successful attempt. Yet, his struggles beyond the 50-yard mark this season, being successful only 3 out of 7 attempts, are indicative of broader issues. To put this in perspective, in the last two seasons combined, he was 4 of 12 for kicks beyond 50 yards.
Competition Among Peers
In a league where precision kicking is a premium skill, Tucker's contemporaries have seized the moment. Eddy Pineiro currently leads with an average of 89.381% in field goal conversions, closely followed by Harrison Butker at 89.212%. The high conversion rates of these young kickers amplify the competitive nature of the role and highlight the expectations placed upon a seasoned professional like Tucker.
Confidence and Historical Context
Despite his recent struggles, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remains unwavering in his confidence in Tucker's ability. "The best option right now is to get Justin back on point. We certainly haven't lost any confidence in Justin Tucker. He's definitely our best option," Harbaugh asserts, underscoring the trust and patience the franchise places in their long-time kicker.
Tucker himself has approached this season's challenges with characteristic stoicism. When asked if there was a common denominator for his missed kicks, he replied, "not really, no." Instead, he believes in the individuality of each attempt, asserting, "Each kick is its own kick."
Looking back, it's worth noting that Tucker's ability to rebound from setbacks has been proven. In 2014, he had what was then considered a subpar performance year with an 85.3% conversion rate — a number most kickers would envy. He rebounded from this, reclaiming his status as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history.
A Legacy of Excellence
Justin Tucker's journey to the top began by taking over the mantle from renowned kickers before him. He replaced Dan Bailey as the league's top kicker in 2016 and succeeded Nate Kaeding, who was known for his accuracy in the late 2000s. His rise to the top echelons of professional football wasn't just about powerful legwork but a mental fortitude that allowed him to perform flawlessly in high-pressure scenarios.
This season, while presenting formidable challenges, could very well be yet another opportunity for Tucker to reinforce his legacy. As his coach and teammates maintain their faith, and as fans rally behind their star, Justin Tucker's resilience on the field is a narrative still unfolding. With a career that has dazzled so many, the chances are high that Tucker will find his rhythm once more and continue to etch his name in the annals of NFL greatness.