The Baltimore Ravens' recent 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers has cast a spotlight on Justin Tucker, a stalwart of the team and widely regarded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history. At 34, Tucker's exceptional career has been characterized by a field goal percentage of 89.7%, a statistic any kicker would envy. Yet, this season has presented the veteran with unexpected challenges.
Turbulent Times for an NFL Icon
Despite his impressive record, Tucker has found himself contending with uncharacteristic performance issues this season. His current field goal success rate stands at a disappointing 79%, ranking him seventh-worst among kickers with at least ten attempts. This variance from his historically reliable form was starkly highlighted in the recent game against the Steelers, where Tucker missed two lengthy field-goal attempts in the first quarter.
Those misses marked an unprecedented moment for Tucker and the Ravens, as it was the first time in team history that a kicker failed twice in the opening quarter. Despite these setbacks, Tucker maintained his typically stoic demeanor. When asked if there was a common thread behind his missed attempts, Tucker replied succinctly, "Not really, no." He further elaborated, emphasizing the individuality of each kick, "Each kick is its own kick."
A Glimmer of Resilience
In the same game against the Steelers, Tucker demonstrated his capacity for adaptation and perseverance. After his initial missteps, he successfully converted a 54-yard field goal in the third quarter. Tucker noted that he "made a tweak" before this attempt, underscoring his readiness to adjust and refine his approach under pressure.
However, these adjustments came against a backdrop of a somewhat erratic season for Tucker. Prior to the Pittsburgh clash, he had converted 15 of 19 field goals. While Tucker remains flawless in accuracy for kicks ranging between 20 to 39 yards, going 3 of 3 and 6 of 6, his performance has waned over longer distances. From 40 to 49 yards, he holds a record of 4 out of 6, and from 50 to 59 yards, his success dwindles to 3 out of 7.
Creeping Toward an Unwanted Milestone
Another looming concern for Tucker is the possibility of matching his personal record for the most missed field goals in a single season. With six misses already, he is just one short of equaling the seven he missed back in the 2015 season. With six games remaining on the Ravens' 2024 schedule, the pressure mounts for Tucker, whose attention to detail and capacity for clutch performances will be critical in the coming weeks.
Consistency in Extra Points
Amid the ebbs and flows of his field goal attempts, Tucker's performance in extra-point scenarios has been exemplary. This season, he has successfully converted 38 out of 39 extra-point attempts, reaffirming his reputation as a kicker who rarely falters under the regular pressure of game play.
While this season has been a tumultuous one for Tucker, it is essential to view it through the broader lens of his illustrious career. A resilient professional, Tucker continues to embody the spirit of a competitor who learns and evolves with each challenge. As the Ravens look to the remainder of their season, Tucker's presence remains a vital component of their strategies for victory.