Justin Tucker's Recent Struggles: A Closer Look at the Ravens Kicker
Justin Tucker, long renowned as one of the NFL's most reliable kickers, has faced an uncharacteristically challenging period over the last two seasons. This comes despite his storied career that once boasted an average conversion rate of 90.5%, earning him a reputation as arguably the most accurate kicker in the history of professional football.
During the 2023 season, Tucker seemed to maintain his form initially. He made an impressive 51 of 52 extra point attempts, demonstrating his reliability in close-range situations. Additionally, Tucker was flawless on field goals inside 40 yards, successfully converting all 20 attempts. His mid-range accuracy was also commendable, converting 11 of 12 kicks between 40 and 49 yards. Yet, cracks began to show in the longer field goal attempts, specifically those of 50 yards or more, where his success rate dropped to just 1 of 5.
The 2023 season wasn't the first instance of Tucker experiencing such issues. The kicker's struggles became more pronounced in the current season, particularly in the first seven weeks, where he successfully converted all 26 of his extra point attempts and 12 of 15 field goals. However, the problem extended beyond those weeks. Since Week 8, Tucker has made 7 out of 12 field goals, frequently missing from distances that once seemed well within his comfort zone. Notable misses included attempts from 50, 47, and 53 yards.
In a particularly trying game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tucker missed three field goals and an extra point - performances uncharacteristic for the typically dependable kicker.
Identifying the Underlying Issues
Bill Belichick, a seasoned NFL coach known for his meticulous attention to detail, shared his insights on what might be troubling Tucker. "Obviously there's something that's a little bit off from a technique standpoint," Belichick noted. "But I don't see that there's like a lack of talent. I think there's something mechanically that he's not doing consistently. If you have the key to unlock that problem, then probably everything could be great."
Belichick's observations provide a comforting implication that Tucker's issues are likely technical rather than talent-related. Such technicalities can derail even the most accomplished athletes, especially in high-pressure sports like football where precision and consistency are paramount. He added, “Clearly this extends back even to last year a little bit, too, because there were some accuracy issues last year in the '23 season as well as the current season. So I think Coach Harbaugh is doing the right thing. I would stick with Justin Tucker. This guy was the most accurate kicker in the history of football.”
Belichick's vote of confidence for Tucker is an affirmation of the kicker's continued potential, encouraging both fans and the Ravens' coaching staff to remain optimistic. The key issue seems to lie in discovering and correcting the elusive mechanical hitch affecting Tucker's performance.
Coach Harbaugh's Trust and the Path Forward
Despite the recent setbacks, Ravens' Head Coach John Harbaugh has stood by Tucker, trusting in his proven track record and ability to regain form. Under Harbaugh's guidance, Tucker had previously rebounded from similar slumps, such as the flawless streak following the Week 13 bye last season, where he converted all 21 extra points and 15 field goals thereafter.
Tucker’s resolve and capacity for self-correction is not without precedent, as demonstrated by these remarkable comebacks. This faith is likely based on Tucker's historic capacity to perform under pressure — a quality that makes him a valuable asset to any team, notwithstanding temporary periods of faltering execution.
For Tucker, the task ahead involves judiciously refining his technique and regaining the consistent accuracy that has been a hallmark of his career until recent trips to the field. As the season progresses, both fans and teammates alike hope to see Tucker overcome this challenging phase and return to form as one of the league's premier kickers.