Justin Tucker's Uncharacteristic Struggles: A Deeper Look
Baltimore Ravens' kicker, Justin Tucker, renowned for his precision and reliability, has carved out a niche as the most accurate kicker in NFL history. With an unparalleled 89.7% success rate, Tucker has been a pillar of consistency in the league. However, the 2024 season has unfurled as a challenging chapter in his illustrious career.
As of Week 11 of the 2024 season, Tucker's field goal accuracy has notably dipped to 79%, ranking him seventh-worst among kickers with at least ten attempts. This marks a significant deviation from his storied track record, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. By this juncture in the season, Tucker had missed six field goals, nearing his career high of seven misses set back in 2015.
One of Tucker's most notable struggles this season surfaced during a divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Entering the game with 15 of 19 field goals made, Tucker surprisingly faltered, missing two field goals in the first quarter alone. These attempts, which were from 42 and 50 yards respectively, marked a first for Tucker and the Ravens, as no team kicker had previously missed two field goals in the opening quarter of a game.
Tucker's performance from varying distances reflects his uneven form this season. From 20 to 39 yards, the kicker has remained flawless, maintaining a 9 of 9 record. However, his accuracy falters somewhat from 40 to 49 yards, where he sits at 4 of 6. The most troubling statistic lies beyond the 50-yard mark, where Tucker has managed just 2 of 6 attempts in 2024 and a meager 3 of 11 over the past two seasons.
Amidst these field goal challenges, Tucker’s consistency on extra points shines through. He has converted 37 out of 38 extra point attempts this year, underscoring his enduring proficiency in shorter kicks.
With six games remaining after the Ravens' encounter with the Steelers, Tucker has a window of opportunity to recalibrate and regain his footing. The Ravens' upcoming bye week might offer him a much-needed reprieve and a chance to refocus.
While Tucker's recent struggles have undoubtedly been a talking point, his track record suggests that this may be a temporary dip in an otherwise stellar career. As the Ravens push through the latter part of the season, all eyes will be on Tucker to see if he can bounce back to the form that has made him a household name in the NFL kicking pantheon.