In the world of professional football, few names carry the weight of greatness quite like Justin Tucker. Lauded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, with a field goal percentage towering at 89.7%, Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens has been a cornerstone of consistency. Nevertheless, the latest season has introduced a ripple to his otherwise smooth career trajectory.
A Season of Uncharacteristic Struggles
Despite his storied past, the 34-year-old kicker finds himself amidst an unusual slump. This season, he claims the seventh-worst field goal percentage of 79% among kickers with at least ten attempts. It's a statistic that stands in stark contrast to his reputation, raising eyebrows and questions across the NFL community.
The recent face-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers encapsulated these emerging struggles. The Ravens fell short in a tight 18-16 battle, and Tucker's performance became a focal point. Missing two lengthy field goals in the first quarter was an unprecedented misfortune for a Ravens kicker, especially of Tucker's caliber. These misfires marked the first instance of such early-game failures from the Ravens in recent memory.
Analyzing Tucker’s Performance
Prior to the Steelers game, Tucker had made 15 of 19 field goals, demonstrating that while some inconsistencies exist, he is far from ineffective. Even amid challenges, his prowess wasn't entirely absent. He successfully nailed a 54-yard goal in the third quarter against the Steelers, following an adjustment he consciously made before his attempt.
Tucker's response to probing questions about the reason behind his missed kicks was simple and reflective of his singular focus. "Not really, no," he said when asked if he saw a common cause. Elaborating further, he stated, "Each kick is its own kick," emphasizing his methodical approach to each opportunity.
Consistency at Shorter Distances
Delving more into his season's performance, Tucker has maintained flawlessness at shorter distances, executing 3 of 3 from 20 to 29 yards and a perfect 6 of 6 from 30 to 39 yards. His middle-distance accuracy, from 40 to 49 yards, showed a slight dip, with a 4 of 6 record. However, it's beyond the 50-yard mark where the shakiness is more pronounced, standing at 3 of 7 this season. Over the past two seasons, Tucker's record for 50-plus-yard attempts does little to bolster his case, sitting at 4 of 12.
Despite these challenges, one aspect of Tucker's game remains nearly impeccable—his extra-point accuracy. To date in the season, he has converted 38 of 39 extra-point attempts, reaffirming his reliable output in critical moments.
Looking at the Big Picture
With six games remaining on the Ravens' 2024 schedule, Tucker is one missed field goal shy of matching his personal record of seven misses, a statistic last seen in 2015. It's a reminder that even the most seasoned professionals can hit a rough patch.
In the realm of possibilities, such a dip could serve as either a passing phase or a sign of a slow decline. Yet, betting against a kicker with Tucker's track record could prove misguided. His willingness to make adjustments mid-game and his transparent self-assessments suggest resilience rather than retreat. As the Ravens press on through the remaining matches, all eyes will be on Tucker, not just waiting for him to reaffirm his legacy as one of the finest, but perhaps to redefine it.