Justin Tucker's legacy as the most accurate kicker in NFL history faces a tempestuous test as recent performances have sparked both concern and conversation. The Baltimore Ravens saw their star kicker falter during a crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending in an 18-16 loss. Tucker, who boasts an impressive field goal percentage of 89.7% over his career, is enduring a surprisingly challenging season.
Troubles in Pittsburgh
In what was a nail-biting rivalry game, Tucker missed two substantial field goal attempts in the first quarter. These misses were unprecedented for a Baltimore Ravens kicker, marking the first time such a scenario has occurred. Despite these missteps initiating the game, Tucker demonstrated resilience, eventually hitting a critical 54-yard field goal in the third quarter after making necessary adjustments. "Made a tweak before his third attempt," offered insight into this brief return to form.
Season-Long Struggles
The larger narrative surrounding Tucker’s season reveals a kicker grappling with inconsistency. His field goal percentage, currently at 79%, ranks seventh-worst among kickers with a minimum of ten attempts in the current season. This dip is noticeable considering that before the battle with the Steelers, Tucker had successfully converted 15 of 19 field goals. Yet, it is his performance on long-range attempts that stands out; between 50 and 59 yards this season, Tucker has completed only 3 of 7, continuing a trend with a record of 4 for 12 for attempts over 50 yards in the past two seasons.
Inside the Numbers
Within the sweet spot of 20 to 39 yards, Tucker remains flawless, converting a total of 9 field goals without a miss. From 40 to 49 yards, his record stands at 4 of 6, indicating that the real chink in his armor lies with the longer attempts. Additionally, his consistency on extra points remains reliable, having converted 38 out of 39 attempts this year. As the season progresses, Tucker finds himself teetering close to an unwanted milestone: he is one missed field goal short of his personal record of seven misses in a single season, a figure that hasn't been matched since 2015.
Despite these challenges, Tucker remains a seasoned professional, dismissing any speculation about an overarching issue behind these missed kicks. "Not really, no," Tucker remarked tersely when asked directly about a possible common cause, later adding, "Each kick is its own kick," emphasizing the unique nature of each attempt.
A Path Forward
With six games left on the Ravens' 2024 schedule, Tucker has ample opportunity to course-correct and silence the doubts that have momentarily shrouded his superb career. The Ravens, equally reliant on his capabilities, will hope to see their iconic kicker regain his characteristic precision and record-breaking composure.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Justin Tucker as he navigates this unexpected terrain—searching not just for redemption, but perhaps another chapter of greatness in a career that has repeatedly defied expectations.