Justin Tucker, widely regarded as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, is facing challenges this season that have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. At 34 years old, Tucker entered Week 11 with a field goal percentage of 79%, ranking him among the bottom seven kickers in the league with at least ten attempts. This decline in performance has sparked concerns, especially after he missed two crucial field goals in a tight game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to a disappointing 18-16 loss for the Baltimore Ravens.
During the first quarter of the game, Tucker missed attempts from 47 and 50 yards, contributing to a troubling total of six missed field goals in the current season. This marked a unique moment in his career, as it was the first time he—or any Ravens kicker—had missed two field goals in a single first quarter. However, he did redeem himself slightly with a successful 54-yard field goal in the third quarter, showcasing his potential when he made adjustments to his technique.
Despite the struggles, there remains a silver lining. Tucker’s response indicated a commitment to improvement. He made a point to mention that each kick is independent, suggesting that he is focused on refining his process rather than getting bogged down by past performance. Moreover, he has yet to reach his career high of seven missed field goals in one season, a mark he set in 2015, but with six games left in the current schedule, there’s potential for either improvement or a new record.
Though Tucker’s accuracy on longer attempts has dipped, his consistency on shorter kicks, along with a strong performance on extra points, illustrates that he is capable of bouncing back. Ravens fans can take heart in Tucker’s history of excellence and his ability to make necessary adjustments. As the season progresses, there’s hope that he can regain his dominance and contribute significantly to the team’s success in the remaining games.
Overall, while challenges lurk ahead for Tucker, his dedication and historical prowess provide optimism that he will overcome this patch and finish the season strong.