In the realm of NFL kicking, Justin Tucker is a name synonymous with precision and reliability. At 34, the Baltimore Ravens kicker stands as perhaps the most accurate in NFL history, boasting an impressive field goal percentage of 89.7%. However, the current season has seen Tucker struggle under some circumstances, notably in the recent matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the Ravens fell short with an 18-16 loss.
An Uncharacteristic Performance
For the seasoned Tucker, the game against the Steelers marked a dubious first in his prolific career. Missing twice in the opening quarter, Tucker faced unfamiliar territory. Historically, a Ravens kicker had never missed two field goals in the first quarter of a game, yet the renowned leg of Tucker faltered on two lengthy attempts, casting a shadow over his otherwise stellar resume.
"Not really, no," was Tucker's succinct response when asked if there was a common cause behind these missed kicks. The answer seemed to underline the complexity and individuality of each field goal situation. "Each kick is its own kick," he elaborated, highlighting the nuanced skill required in his profession.
Seasonal Struggles
This season, Tucker has encountered challenges that have reflected in his statistics. Currently, he sits with the seventh-worst field goal percentage at 79% among kickers with a minimum of ten attempts. Before facing the Steelers, Tucker had managed to convert 15 of his 19 field goals, a figure that, while respectable, deviates from his historical excellence.
Despite these challenges, Tucker remains unerring from short range. Within the 20 to 39-yard range, he has been impeccable, making all nine of his attempts. Yet from distances of 50 yards or more, his accuracy wanes. This season, his record on such attempts stands at 3 of 7, mirroring a broader pattern over the past two seasons where he's gone 4 of 12 from beyond 50 yards. The challenge of maintaining consistency at these distances has proven to be a testament to the difficulty inherent in elite-level kicking.
Adjustments and Success
Amidst the pressure and scrutiny, Tucker showcased his ability to adapt. During the same contentious game against the Steelers, he adjusted his technique before his third field goal attempt, successfully converting a daunting 54-yard kick in the third quarter. This adjustment was a nod to his experience and skill, a reminder of why he remains a valued asset to the Ravens.
Moreover, Tucker continues to display proficiency in extra-point attempts, having converted 38 out of 39 this season. Such performance underscores his capabilities and situates him as a reliable key player when within striking distance.
A Remainder of the Season
With six games remaining on the 2024 schedule, Tucker finds himself nearing a personal record he likely wishes to avoid. With just one more missed field goal, he will match his 2015 tally of seven misses in a single season. Yet, for someone of Tucker's caliber, these statistics serve as a motivation to regain his form and reassert his authority as a premier kicker in the NFL.
The road ahead is one of challenges and opportunities for Tucker and the Ravens. A return to form for Tucker could be pivotal for the Ravens as they navigate the closing stretch of the season. His track record suggests that if anyone can rise above momentary struggles to display greatness, it's Justin Tucker.
In the turbulent sea of professional sports, moments of adversity are inevitable. But as history has often shown, they serve as the canvas upon which legends paint their masterpieces. For Justin Tucker and the Ravens, the canvas is laid out—it is now up to them to decide how the picture will ultimately unfold.