In a season that has seen Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker navigating unfamiliar waters, the usually unerring foot of the NFL's most accurate kicker is facing a rare bout of inconsistency. Tucker, now 34, entered the current season with a sterling reputation, boasting a career field goal percentage of 89.7%, the best in NFL history. However, a series of challenging performances, including a recent setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers, has sparked discussions about his current form.
In the Ravens' narrow 18-16 loss to the Steelers, Tucker experienced a rough start, missing two uncharacteristic lengthy field goal attempts in the first quarter. This outing marked a first for Ravens fans, as never before had they witnessed their usually reliable kicker miss twice in the opening quarter. This performance contributed to Tucker's current season field goal percentage of 79%, placing him seventh-worst among kickers with at least ten attempts.
Prior to the game in Pittsburgh, Tucker had a respectable track record, converting 15 of 19 field goals. Despite the recent frustrations, he managed to demonstrate his skill in the third quarter, successfully converting a critical 54-yard field goal after making a strategic adjustment. "Made a tweak before his third attempt," a context that might hint at the mental resilience and technical adjustments players like Tucker adeptly implement under pressure.
What remains unchanged is Tucker's unwavering accuracy from shorter distances. He remains perfect from 20 to 39 yards, combining for a flawless 9 of 9 record. His performance from 40 to 49 yards stands at a solid 4 of 6. However, the longer range has posed significant challenges this season, with Tucker hitting just 3 of 7 in the 50 to 59-yard range. This extends a troubling trend over the last two seasons, where he is 4 of 12 from 50-plus yards.
These statistics, coupled with his one missed extra-point attempt out of 39 this year, underscore a startling shift for the kicker, who is approaching his personal season record of seven missed field goals, set in 2015. With six games remaining on the Ravens' 2024 schedule, Tucker's opportunities for both redemption and potential record-setting misses loom on the horizon.
Despite the unusual slump, Tucker's demeanor remains calm and focused. When asked if there was a common cause for his recent misses, he succinctly replied, "Not really, no." Further elaborating, he explained, "Each kick is its own kick." This matter-of-fact assessment reflects a veteran kicker's understanding that every attempt is a distinct event, influenced by myriad factors ranging from weather conditions to in-game dynamics.
While some might view Tucker's struggles as uncharacteristic, it's worth noting that the stressors of professional sports invariably lead to ebbs and flows in performance. Even the most esteemed athletes encounter periods of adversity. For Tucker, the path forward may lie in the confidence cultivated over a career filled with clutch performances and record-breaking achievements, coupled with a focus on refining his game in the weeks to come.
As the Baltimore Ravens gear up to conclude their season, Justin Tucker's role will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. Yet, for a player of Tucker's pedigree, such challenges could merely be the precursor to another chapter of excellence. Whether he will rise to reassert his position as the NFL's most accurate kicker remains to be seen, but history suggests betting against Justin Tucker is a risky endeavor. As the remaining games unfold, all eyes will be watching to see how one of the NFL's most illustrious legs responds to the pressure.