Justin Tucker’s Challenging Season Under the Microscope
Throughout his illustrious career, Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens has been revered as the most accurate kicker in NFL history. With a career success rate of 89.7%, Tucker has set a high bar with his precision and consistency. However, the 2024 NFL season has been presenting unexpected challenges for the star kicker, which has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike.
A Dip in Accuracy
As of Week 11 in the 2024 season, Justin Tucker’s normally impeccable field goal percentage has notably declined to 79%. This dip places him as the seventh-worst among kickers with at least ten attempts this season, a surprising statistic for a player who is held in such high esteem. Tucker has already missed six field goals this season, nearing his career high of seven misses back in 2015.
Recent performances have highlighted these issues. In a divisional showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tucker missed two crucial field goals in the first quarter of the game. These misses occurred from 42 yards and 50 yards out. Such a lapse is unprecedented for Tucker, as it marks the first time he or any Ravens kicker has missed two field goals in the opening quarter of a game.
Breaking Down the Situations
Despite his recent struggles, Tucker has maintained his reliability from short distances. In 2024, he has been perfect from the 20 to 39-yard range, making all nine attempts. However, his accuracy diminishes with distance. From 40 to 49 yards, Tucker has made four out of six attempts. The real challenges arise beyond the 50-yard mark, where he stands at only two for six this season. Additionally, when combining this season with the last, he is a mere 3 of 11 on field goals over 50 yards. These statistics starkly contrast with the image of the infallible kicker fans have come to know.
Even amidst these struggles, there are areas where Tucker continues to shine. His proficiency on extra points is mostly unscathed, as he has successfully converted 37 out of 38 attempts this season. This aspect of his game remains a testament to his skill and showcases the potential for a quick turnaround.
The Road Ahead
For Tucker and the Baltimore Ravens, the season is far from over. With six games left after their match against the Steelers, there is ample opportunity for Tucker to regain his stride and reestablish his legendary status. The Ravens also have a bye week following the Steelers game, offering Tucker time to recalibrate and refocus.
The spotlight is undoubtedly on Justin Tucker as he faces one of the tougher phases of his career. Yet, for a kicker of his caliber, a bounce-back is always on the horizon. As the remainder of the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Tucker adjusts and whether he can reclaim the precision that has made him one of the most feared specialists in the NFL.