In a sport where consistency is key, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has long been the gold standard. Widely regarded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, Tucker has built a reputation for turning even the most daunting field goal attempts into routine operations. However, his recent performance seems to be drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.
A Season of Unusual Struggles
Tucker, who at 34 years old remains a lynchpin of the Ravens' special teams, is navigating a season punctuated by uncharacteristic misses. With a career field goal percentage of 89.7%, he stands head and shoulders above the competition as the league's most dependable kicker. Yet, the current season has proven challenging, with Tucker ranking seventh-worst in field goal percentage among NFL kickers, managing a mere 79% following 10 attempts.
The recent Ravens' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a snapshot of this struggle. The Ravens fell 18-16, a narrow defeat made more poignant by two missed field goals from Tucker in the opening quarter—an unprecedented event in Ravens history. Prior to this game, Tucker had connected on 15 of his 19 attempts, but early misfires set a tone the Ravens could not overcome.
Scrutiny and Adjustment
When questioned about potential common causes behind his missed kicks, Tucker was succinct. "Not really, no," he responded, suggesting that each miss is an isolated incident rather than part of an alarming trend. He elaborated, "Each kick is its own kick," hinting at the unique pressures and variables each attempt presents.
In the third quarter of the game against the Steelers, Tucker managed a successful 54-yard field goal, a testament to his adaptability and skill. It's reported that Tucker made a crucial tweak before this third attempt, illustrating his ability to reassess and adjust during high-pressure situations.
A Close Examination of the Numbers
Tucker's record from distances of 20 to 39 yards remains impeccable, having completed all nine of his attempted field goals within this range. His accuracy from 40 to 49 yards is slightly less consistent, standing at 4 of 6. However, it is his performance from 50 to 59 yards that is most troubling this season, where he's made only 3 of 7 attempts.
This midpoint inaccuracy raises questions as his record over the past two seasons for 50-yard or longer attempts is 4 of 12. These numbers are far below his career standards and cast a shadow on what many consider an otherwise illustrious career. Despite these setbacks, his performance in extra points remains stellar, making 38 out of 39 attempts this season.
Approaching a Milestone
As the Ravens look to improve their playoff positioning, Tucker finds himself nearing an unwanted personal milestone. With six games remaining in the 2024 season, he is just one missed field goal shy of equaling his personal record for most misses in a single season, a record previously set in 2015.
The Ravens rely heavily on Tucker's consistency and his ability to deliver under pressure. As they advance through their remaining schedule, Tucker's performance will be closely monitored not only by fans but also by analysts eager to see if the kicker can iron out these peculiar inconsistencies. The coming games will be critical, not just for the Ravens' postseason aspirations but for Justin Tucker's enduring legacy as one of the NFL's premier kickers.