Justin Tucker: A Kicker Still Worth Trusting?
Justin Tucker has long been a cornerstone for the Baltimore Ravens since stepping into his role as a kicker in 2012. Known for his precision and reliability, Tucker’s career has been marked by impressive stats that have solidified his reputation among the league's elite kickers. However, this season has presented a few challenges that have left some questioning whether the once-reliable kicker might be veering off course.
This season, Tucker has achieved a field goal conversion rate of just 72.7%. For a kicker whose career average conversion rate has been a remarkable 89.348%, this year's numbers represent an uncharacteristic dip in performance. In contrast, kickers like Eddy Pineiro are surpassing Tucker's current form with a leading average of 89.381%, followed closely by Harrison Butker with 89.212%. These numbers certainly highlight the competitive nature of the position and the standards to which Tucker is usually compared.
Tucker's recent outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers exemplified the struggles he has faced. With three attempts, all from beyond 40 yards, he managed only one successful 54-yard field goal. The challenge of long-distance kicks has notably plagued Tucker this season, as evidenced by his current 3 of 7 record for attempts beyond 50 yards. Compared to last season’s 4 of 12 for similar distances, these figures suggest that Tucker is facing an ongoing battle with consistency from afar.
Despite these hurdles, confidence within the Ravens' camp remains unwavering. Head coach John Harbaugh has expressed his firm belief in Tucker's abilities, emphasizing, "The best option right now is to get Justin back on point. We certainly haven't lost any confidence in Justin Tucker. He's definitely our best option." Harbaugh’s words underline a commitment to Tucker, recognizing that despite recent struggles, his overall career performance cements his value to the team.
Tucker, on his part, seems unfazed by the mounting scrutiny. When questioned about a common denominator for his missed kicks, he responded succinctly, "not really, no." Further illustrating his mindset, Tucker added, "Each kick is its own kick." These statements reflect Tucker’s focus and his understanding of the ever-changing dynamics each game brings. It's a perspective that has likely aided him in maintaining his remarkable level of performance over the years, even amid adversity.
The genesis of Tucker’s road to stardom dates back to 2016, when he replaced Dan Bailey as the top kicker in the league. Tucker took over responsibilities from Nate Kaeding, a kicker known for his accuracy in the late 2000s. That transition marked the beginning of what would be a period characterized by high-level consistency, with only rare instances of underperformance, such as his 2014 season low with an 85.3% conversion rate.
While this season’s numbers might suggest a downturn, the trust and confidence from his team and the broader football community indicate that Tucker's legacy as a consistent performer is far from diminished. The path forward might require adjustments, as seen with his successful adaptation in executing the 54-yard goal against Pittsburgh. However, given his history and proven track record, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Tucker realign with the standards that made him a household name in the first place.
As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Justin Tucker, watching if he can reclaim the precision that has made him more than just reliable—someone who is irreplaceable.