During a storied career that has seen him set records as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Justin Tucker has been nothing short of a revelation in Baltimore. With a career field goal conversion rate of 90.5% before 2023, Tucker seemed almost immune to the inconsistencies that often plague NFL kickers. However, recent performances hint at underlying issues that have led to uncharacteristic struggles on the field.
The beginning of Tucker’s struggles this season was emphasized in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles where he uncharacteristically missed three field goals and an extra point. This game marked a notable deviation from his usual reliability and placed a spotlight on ongoing issues with his kicking accuracy.
Despite his recent difficulties, Tucker's performance earlier in the 2023 season was remarkable, as he successfully converted 51 of 52 extra point attempts. He showed impeccable form inside 40 yards, making all 20 of his field goal attempts. From 40 to 49 yards, Tucker managed an impressive 11 out of 12 attempts. Yet, it was the long-range kicks that proved problematic, with a 1 for 5 success rate on attempts of 50 yards or more.
In the first seven weeks of the current season, Tucker maintained a perfect record with 26 of 26 extra points and successfully converted 12 of 15 field goals. However, a troubling pattern emerged as the season progressed beyond Week 8. Since then, his field goal performance has slipped significantly, completing just 7 of 12 attempts. The missed attempts include critical distances of 50, 47, 50, 47, and 53 yards.
Given the caliber of his career, it is unsurprising that Justin Tucker’s recent form has been a point of discussion. Renowned NFL coach Bill Belichick weighed in, noting, “Obviously there's something that's a little bit off from a technique standpoint. 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.” His assessment highlights that Tucker's struggles may not stem from a decline in skill but rather a technical inefficiency.
This sentiment was echoed in further commentary from Belichick: “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 comments reflect a confidence in Tucker's ability to overcome this rough patch, emphasizing his historical consistency and mechanical tweaking as the potential keys to resolution.
Indeed, Tucker’s performance at the end of the previous season suggests that he can rebound. Following a Week 13 bye, he was flawless, making all 21 extra points and all 15 field goals. This provides a blueprint for what Tucker is capable of when at his best.
Overall, while recent performances may not align with the enormous expectations set by his past consistency, Tucker's talent remains unquestioned. He has been a vital asset for the Ravens for many years, and the team’s faith in his capabilities appears unwavering. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain firmly on Tucker as he endeavors to regain his exceptional form.
With discussions around technique and consistency taking center stage, the enigmatic nature of kicking in the NFL is, once again, underlined. Tucker’s resilience and commitment will not only define his legacy but also play a significant role in the Ravens' success as they navigate through the remainder of the season.