Challenges in Consistency: Justin Tucker's Season with the Ravens
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, renowned for his precision, is experiencing a season that presents uncharacteristic challenges. At 34 years old, Tucker stands as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, boasting an impressive career field goal percentage of 89.7%. Yet, in the current season, Tucker finds himself wrestling with inconsistency, holding the seventh-worst field goal percentage at 79% among kickers with at least ten attempts. This deviation from his usual performance has sparked conversations across the league.
The Ravens' recent 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted these struggles, as Tucker missed two lengthy field goal attempts in the first quarter. This marked a first in Ravens history, where a kicker had missed twice in the opening quarter of a game. Reflecting on his rare off moments, Tucker addressed speculations about a potential underlying issue for his missed kicks with a simple, "Not really, no." Emphasizing his approach to each kick, he stated, "Each kick is its own kick."
Even amidst the struggles, Tucker still managed to demonstrate his capacity for quick adjustments. Following his early misses, he successfully converted a critical 54-yard field goal in the third quarter, having made a tweak prior to this attempt. This adjustment was a testament to his experience and skill, reinforcing why he remains a trusted asset to the Ravens despite current hurdles.
Thus far in the season, Tucker has converted 15 of his 19 field goal attempts prior to the Steelers game. His performance from shorter distances remains impeccable. From 20 to 39 yards, he is a flawless 3 of 3 and 6 of 6 respectively. However, from 40 to 49 yards, his record stands at 4 of 6, and between 50 and 59 yards, he has made 3 of 7 attempts. Over the past two seasons, Tucker's record for 50-plus-yard attempts is 4 of 12, an area that appears to require particular focus as the season progresses.
Additionally, in the game against the Steelers, Tucker maintained his reliability in extra-point attempts, successfully kicking his only chance during the match. Overall, this season, he has made 38 out of 39 extra-point attempts, showcasing consistency in this aspect of play.
With the season entering its critical phase, Tucker is on the brink of equaling his personal record of seven missed field goals in a single season, a mark he last reached in 2015. The Ravens, with six games remaining on their 2024 schedule, are counting on Tucker’s renowned precision as they aim for a successful conclusion to the season.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, where pressure is unrelenting, Tucker’s experience and professionalism shine through. As he navigates past and present hurdles, his ability to make real-time adjustments and maintain a focus on the technicality of each kick offers a glimpse into the mindset of one of the game’s all-time greats. For Justin Tucker, each kick, indeed, is its own, and with every attempt, he continues to define his legacy in professional football.