A Rare Slump for an NFL Legend
In the world of the National Football League, kickers often operate in the shadow of their team's more prominent stars. Yet, Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker has defied that trend, gaining recognition as the most accurate kicker in NFL history with a remarkable 89.7% success rate. However, the 2024 season has not mirrored his usual excellence, as Tucker's accuracy has significantly dipped, raising questions about his current form.
Unexpected Struggles in 2024
By Week 11 of the 2024 season, Tucker's field goal accuracy had fallen to 79%, ranking him as the seventh-worst kicker among those with at least ten attempts. This is uncharted territory for a player renowned for his precision and reliability. Tucker has already missed six field goals, which is dangerously close to his career-high of seven misses in a single season set during 2015.
The decline was most apparent during a divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before the matchup, Tucker had successfully converted 15 out of 19 field goal attempts. Yet, he missed two crucial attempts in the first quarter, one from 42 yards and the other from 50 yards. This unfortunate feat marked the first time Tucker or any Ravens kicker had missed two field goals in the opening quarter of a game.
Breaking Down the Distances
Tucker’s struggles seem to lie with the longer kicks. The statistics show he remains perfect from 20 to 39 yards, notching a flawless 9 of 9 for the season. His performance from 40 to 49 yards stands at a respectable 4 of 6. However, it’s beyond the 50-yard mark where the concern intensifies. This season, Tucker is just 2 of 6 on these long-range attempts, and his record over the last two seasons on such distances is a concerning 3 of 11.
Curiously, despite the dip in field goal appearances, Tucker maintains consistency with extra points. He has converted 37 out of 38 extra point attempts this season, suggesting that his difficulties may be confined to field goals rather than kicking mechanics in general.
Looking Forward
With a bye week following the Steelers game, Tucker will have an invaluable opportunity to reset mentally and physically. There are six games remaining for the Ravens after this period, providing Tucker ample opportunity to recalibrate and possibly recapture his elite form.
For Justin Tucker, the standards are higher than for most. Any fluctuation in performance tends to draw attention due to his storied past as one of the most reliable specialists in the history of the NFL. As the Ravens aim for playoff success, they will undoubtedly be leaning on Tucker to deliver when it matters most. His track record suggests he has every chance of bouncing back and re-establishing his dominance in the kicking game.
An Ongoing Legacy
No matter the temporary setbacks, Tucker’s career remains a testament to perseverance and precision. His current struggles serve as a reminder that even the best face challenges. Yet, his ability to shine in crucial moments over the years has ingrained him in the minds of teammates, fans, and opponents alike as a clutch performer. The coming weeks will not only test Tucker's resilience but also offer him a stage to prove once again why he's held in such high regard.
As the Ravens push towards the postseason, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Justin Tucker rebounds. His response could very well define not just his season, but the Ravens' fortunes as they vie for supremacy in the competitive landscape of the NFL.