As one of the most celebrated kickers in NFL history, Justin Tucker’s place in the pantheon of greats is firmly established. Yet, like any athlete, even he encounters moments that bring his legendary status into sharp focus. At 34 years old, Tucker still reigns as the most accurate kicker in NFL history boasting a remarkable 89.7% field goal percentage. However, in the current season, his performance hasn't mirrored the excellence that fans have come to expect from the Baltimore Ravens’ stalwart.
A Rare Off Day
In a closely contested game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens faltered, losing 18-16. The game was notable not only for the narrow scoreline but also for an uncharacteristic performance from Tucker. This game marked an unfortunate first in Tucker’s illustrious career; he missed two field goal attempts in the opening quarter, both of considerable length. This is a rare blemish for a player who usually changes the narrative with his impeccable kicking skills.
Tucker’s Streaks and Struggles
Despite the misses against the Steelers, Tucker remains almost impeccable from shorter distances, successfully converting all attempts within the 20- to 39-yard range this season. Specifically, he is flawless, going 3 of 3 from 20-29 yards and 6 of 6 from 30-39 yards. However, his accuracy starts diminishing as the distance increases, with a record of 4 of 6 between 40 and 49 yards. The 50 to 59-yard range has proven troubling for Tucker this season; his record stands at 3 of 7. This marks a clear area of concern, juxtaposed against his stellar historic performance. Over the past two seasons, his completion rate for 50-plus-yard attempts is a paltry 4 of 12, a striking drop for the otherwise reliable kicker.
Adjusting Mid-Game
Amidst the challenges of the Steelers game, Tucker did manage to correct course to some degree. After the early setbacks, he successfully converted a 54-yard field goal in the third quarter, highlighting his ability to adjust mid-game. As per Tucker’s own account, "Made a tweak before his third attempt," he was able to salvage part of his game, demonstrating resilience and professionalism.
Consistent in the Clutch
Adding to the complexity of his season, Tucker has successfully converted 38 out of 39 extra-point attempts, maintaining a consistent clutch performance in high-pressure moments within the game. These numbers underscore how critical he remains to the team, particularly in close contests.
Reflections on Missed Opportunities
When questioned about the missed kicks in the Steelers game and whether there's a common cause, Tucker’s response was lucid yet philosophical: "Not really, no. Each kick is its own kick." This suggests a steadfast focus on viewing each attempt as independent of the next, reinforcing the mental resilience required at the professional level. His perspective provides insight into the psychological framework that has underpinned his success through the years.
On the Verge of a Record
As the Ravens prepare for the remaining six games of their 2024 schedule, Tucker finds himself on the brink of an unwelcome personal milestone. He is just one missed field goal shy of equaling his personal record of seven misses in a single season, last recorded in 2015. This looming challenge will test Tucker’s ability to recalibrate and regain his formidable form, crucial as the Ravens look to capitalize on each opportunity for playoff contention.
Justin Tucker remains not only a key player for the Baltimore Ravens but also a stellar figure in the NFL narrative. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on how one of the game’s greats will respond to this adversity and continue to carve out his legacy in the sport.