Challenges for the Reliable Ravens Kicker
In the world of NFL kicking, Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker stands as a benchmark of excellence. Known for his legendary precision, Tucker has cemented his reputation as the most accurate kicker in NFL history with a remarkable field goal percentage of 89.7%. Yet, even for the greats, there are moments of challenge and scrutiny, as evidenced by recent developments in Tucker's current season.
A Season of Struggles?
This season, a cloud of doubt has hovered over Tucker’s usually stellar performance. Now aged 34, he finds himself with the seventh-worst field goal percentage, standing at 79% among kickers with at least ten attempts. This dip in performance was notably encapsulated during the Ravens' narrow 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Tucker missed two lengthy field goal attempts in the first quarter. It marked the first occasion a Ravens kicker had missed twice in the opening quarter of a game, an unusual blip in Tucker’s otherwise outstanding career.
Before this game, Tucker had maintained a solid if not spectacular record, converting 15 of 19 field goals. Yet, these misses against the Steelers added weight to a growing concern that Tucker could potentially equal his personal record of seven missed field goals in a single season—a figure last seen in 2015.
Under the Microscope
Speaking about the irregularities in his performance, Tucker seemed unfazed by the pressure. When asked about any common cause behind his missed kicks, his response was concise: "Not really, no." He elaborated, suggesting that "each kick is its own kick," implying that each attempt must be analyzed individually rather than forming patterns or attributing to broader trends.
Despite these challenges, Tucker demonstrated his mettle by successfully nailing a 54-yard field goal later in the game against the Steelers, having made a key adjustment before his third attempt. This successful kick reminded fans and critics alike of the skill that underpins his storied career.
Consistency in Shorter Distances
Amid the scrutiny of his long-range efforts, Tucker remains flawless within the 20 to 39-yard range. He has successfully completed 3 out of 3 and 6 out of 6 attempts, respectively, providing reassurance of his reliability from shorter distances. His record from 40 to 49 yards stands at a solid 4 of 6, a testament to his enduring capability even amid a challenging season.
However, it’s the record between 50 and 59 yards that has shown room for improvement, with Tucker converting only 3 of 7 attempts this season. Over the past two years, the numbers further illustrate his difficulties, recording a performance of 4 out of 12 for 50-plus-yard attempts.
A Strong Foundation
Not to be overshadowed, Tucker excels in extra-point attempts, having made 38 out of 39 this year. This consistency reinforces his reputation for precision, even as field goal challenges persist. As the Ravens face six more games in the 2024 schedule, Tucker’s experience and history of excellence offer a solid foundation on which to finish the season strongly.
It is not uncommon for athletes of remarkable caliber to encounter periods where performance fluctuates. For Tucker, the road ahead offers opportunities to recalibrate and reaffirm his standing as one of the NFL’s preeminent kickers. Whether it’s an extra point or a game-winning field goal, the football world watches with bated breath as Tucker prepares to defy the odds and rise once again.