Baltimore— In the high-stakes arena of the National Football League, few positions carry as much pressure as that of a kicker. For the Baltimore Ravens, Justin Tucker has long been the gold standard in accuracy and reliability. Known for his unparalleled precision, Tucker holds the distinction of being the most accurate kicker in NFL history, with an impressive 89.7% success rate. However, the 2024 season has presented the accomplished kicker with an unexpected set of challenges.
As of Week 11, Tucker's field goal accuracy has dipped to 79%, a surprising turn for the stalwart kicker. This decline places him as the seventh-worst among kickers with at least ten attempts—a stat that would have seemed unfathomable in previous seasons. By Week 11 of the 2024 season, Tucker had already missed six field goals, inching perilously close to his career high of seven misses in a single season, last seen in 2015.
A Tough Game Against the Steelers
The Ravens' matchup against their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, was emblematic of Tucker's recent struggles. Entering the game, he had successfully converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts. Yet, in a startling turn of events during the first quarter, Tucker missed two attempts—a 42-yard and a 50-yard field goal. This was uncharted territory for Tucker and the Ravens, marking the first time in franchise history that their kicker missed two field goals in the opening quarter.
Despite these setbacks, Tucker remains flawless from 20 to 39 yards, successfully converting 9 out of 9 attempts this season. However, his performance falters beyond that range, with a 4 of 6 record from 40 to 49 yards. Most concerning is his performance on attempts beyond 50 yards: a modest 2 of 6 in 2024, and 3 of 11 over the last two seasons. This sharp decline in long-range kicking marks a stark contrast to the standard Tucker has set over his renowned career.
Consistency Still Shines in Key Areas
In spite of these recent difficulties, some areas of Tucker's game remain impressively consistent. His success rate on extra points is nearly flawless, having converted 37 out of 38 attempts this season. It's a reminder of the innate skill and steadiness that Tucker brings, even as he navigates through a challenging period.
The Ravens, looking to bolster their playoff aspirations, will need Tucker's reliability more than ever in the coming games. With six games remaining after their showdown with the Steelers and a well-timed bye week to regroup, the team has a crucial period ahead of them.
The Road Ahead
The professional sports landscape is often unpredictable, and for a player of Tucker's calibre, overcoming adversity is part of the journey. The next few weeks will be telling, both for Tucker and the Ravens, as they strive to maintain their competitive edge. Tucker's wealth of experience and his unyielding precision have been critical to Baltimore's past successes. Now, fans and teammates alike are counting on their kicker to bounce back to his expected form as the regular season draws to a close.