Justin Tucker: A Season Unlike Any Other
Known throughout the NFL for his precision and reliability, Justin Tucker has built a storied reputation as the league's most accurate kicker. Entering the 2024 season, Tucker held an impressive 89.7% career success rate. However, as the season unfolds, the Baltimore Ravens' star kicker is navigating uncharacteristically turbulent waters that have left fans and analysts alike questioning what's next for this perennial standout.
Through Week 11 of the 2024 season, Tucker's accuracy stands at 79%, a sharp decline from his career norms. This figure places him among the bottom echelon of kickers – seventh-worst among those with at least ten attempts. With six missed field goals already, Tucker is uncomfortably close to matching his career high of seven missed field goals in a single season, a mark he set back in 2015.
Struggles Against the Steelers
A divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers compounded Tucker's frustrations. Entering the matchup, he had converted 15 of his previous 19 attempts. However, in an unexpected twist of fate, the opening quarter of the game saw him miss two attempts: one from 42 yards and another from 50 yards. This startling development marked the first instance where Tucker, or any Ravens kicker, missed two field goals in the first quarter of a game.
Tucker's woes aren't uniform across all distances. In 2024, he remains perfect on field goals from 20 to 39 yards, maintaining a flawless 9 of 9 record. However, beyond those distances, inconsistencies appear. His success rate drops to 4 of 6 from 40 to 49 yards and plummets to a troubling 2 of 6 from beyond 50 yards. Moreover, across the last two seasons, Tucker has converted just 3 of his past 11 attempts from 50 yards and beyond.
Silver Linings
Despite these setbacks, there are bright spots in Tucker's performance this year. His prowess on extra points remains nearly immaculate, having successfully executed 37 of 38 attempts. Such consistency on point-after attempts reaffirms his capability in clutch situations, even as field goals from longer distances have become more challenging.
Looking ahead, the Ravens have six games left on their schedule after their contest with the Steelers. This provides Tucker with ample opportunity to recalibrate and rediscover his legendary form. Additionally, the upcoming bye week offers a crucial period for rest and reflection, a chance to address any technical or mental adjustments needed to regain his top-tier performance.
Throughout his career, Justin Tucker has been more than just a kicker to the Ravens; he's been an icon of reliability and excellence. While this season has posed unprecedented challenges, both history and Tucker's track record suggest he possesses the resilience and determination to overcome this slump. The remainder of the 2024 season could very well determine if this is just a blip in an otherwise remarkable career or a signal of changing tides in Tucker's storied journey.