Uncharacteristic Struggles for NFL's Most Accurate Kicker
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is renowned for his precision on the field, lauded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history with an impressive career field goal percentage of 89.7%. However, this season has presented some rare challenges for the 34-year-old veteran. Tucker's current field goal percentage stands at 79%, placing him seventh worst among kickers with a minimum of ten attempts, a surprising statistic for someone of his caliber.
The recent matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a microcosm of Tucker's uncharacteristic struggles this season. The Ravens faced a narrow 18-16 defeat, partly due to missed opportunities early in the game. Tucker missed two lengthy field goal attempts in the first quarter, marking the first time a Ravens kicker failed twice in the opening quarter of a game. Despite the setbacks, Tucker maintained his composure and later delivered a rewarding 54-yard field goal in the third quarter following a key adjustment. "Made a tweak before his third attempt," was the succinct explanation for his successful effort.
Throughout the current season, Tucker has demonstrated his reliability from shorter distances, remaining flawless within 20 to 39 yards, going 3 for 3 and 6 for 6, respectively. His performance demonstrates an undiminished ability to capitalize on shorter-range attempts. However, when the distance extends to 40 to 49 yards or beyond, Tucker's success rate diminishes, hitting 4 of 6 field goals in the 40 to 49 range and 3 of 7 between 50 and 59 yards.
Tucker's challenges from long range have also been evident over the past two seasons, as he has managed only 4 of 12 on attempts from beyond 50 yards. This inconsistency is uncharacteristic for Tucker, who is one missed field goal shy of matching his personal record of seven misses in a single season, last seen in 2015.
Despite the current struggles, when asked if there was a common cause behind his recent performance, Tucker was quick to dismiss any overarching issues. "Not really, no," he responded, offering insights into his mentality by adding, "Each kick is its own kick." This highlights his focus on taking each situation as a new challenge rather than dwelling on past performances.
Even amidst these uncharacteristic challenges, Tucker's performance on extra-point attempts remains steadfast. This year, he has successfully converted 38 of 39 attempts, showcasing the reliability that Ravens fans have come to expect from him. As the Ravens head into the final stretch of their season with six games remaining on their 2024 schedule, Tucker's experience and preparation will be crucial in overcoming the hurdles this season has presented.
For the fans and the team, Tucker's continued professionalism and his ability to brush off setbacks will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the Ravens' playoff aspirations. As history has shown, kicking proficiency can be a decisive factor in the NFL, and there is perhaps no one better equipped than Justin Tucker to regain his form and deliver when it matters most.