Justin Tucker's Uncharacteristic Struggles Continue Amid Ravens' Defeat
Baltimore Ravens' star kicker, Justin Tucker, widely regarded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history with a staggering 89.7% field goal completion rate, is experiencing an uncharacteristically challenging season. At 34, Tucker's precision from long range has become less dependable, a worrying trend for the Ravens as they push through a demanding season.
In what was a shock for many Ravens fans, Tucker missed two difficult field goal attempts in the first quarter of the game against their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two misses in the opening quarter marked a first in the history for any Ravens kicker. Despite holding an impressive résumé, Tucker's recent performances, particularly from beyond 50 yards, have been visibly unsettling.
The Ravens fell narrowly to the Steelers with an 18-16 loss, a game that could have swung their way had Tucker been at the peak of his powers. The tales of missed opportunities mounted early on in the game, but Tucker showed resilience, overcoming his initial missteps to successfully convert a crucial 54-yard field goal in the third quarter. His adjustment before this kick might imply the first signs of course correction he needed, illustrating his capability to improvise mid-game. As Tucker succinctly noted, "Each kick is its own kick."
This persistence in the face of adversity is a hallmark of Tucker's career; however, his current season is marked by a field goal percentage of 79%, placing him as low as seventh-worst among peers with at least ten attempts. Even more concerning is his performance on attempts between 50 to 59 yards, where he has converted only 3 of 7 attempts this season. In comparison, over the last two seasons, Tucker's record stands at 4 of 12 for 50-plus-yard attempts, underscoring a pattern that the historically errant kicker is perhaps pondering but not acknowledging publicly. When queried about any particular reasons for his recent struggles, Tucker responded with a dismissive, "Not really, no," veiling any deeper introspections he might have.
Despite these struggles, Tucker continues to be reliable within 20 to 39 yards, holding a perfect record in that range this season. His accuracy from 40 to 49 yards remains solid as he has made 4 of 6 attempts, illustrating that not all aspects of his game are faltering. Tucker has also maintained excellence with extra points, converting 38 out of 39 attempts thus far.
However, the specter of a career-high number of misses looms over the Ravens' faithful kicker. He stands just one miss shy of equaling his personal worst of seven misses in a single season, a record last noted in 2015. With six games remaining on the Ravens' 2024 schedule, the pressure is intensifying for Tucker to reclaim his aura of invincibility that once made him an automatic choice for high-pressure situations.
As Baltimore navigates the remaining fixtures, the team hopes that their premier kicker can recalibrate and refine his efforts, particularly from long range. Tucker's storied history, defined by game-winning kicks and record-breaking distances, remains a touchstone for both the player and his team as they seek to stabilize their outcomes and advance into playoff contention.
For now, the world of NFL kicking is witnessing an unusual twist in Tucker's formidable career, an unpredictable chapter that even the greatest of kickers must confront. Should he recapture his rhythm, this phase might simply become another chapter of resilience in his enduring legacy.