Justin Tucker’s Struggles Continue, But Ravens Stand By Their Star Kicker
BALTIMORE — It was a tough Sunday for the Baltimore Ravens and an even tougher one for their usually reliable kicker, Justin Tucker. In a shocking turn of events, Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowler and one of the most consistent kickers in NFL history, had the worst game of his 13-year career. The Ravens fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 24-19, and Tucker’s three missed kicks were a glaring factor in the loss.
For a player who has built a reputation as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, this season has been a head-scratcher. Tucker missed two field goals and an extra point in the game, marking the first time in his career that he’s missed three kicks in a single outing. The Ravens, however, are not ready to hit the panic button just yet.
“If you’re asking me, ‘Are we going to move on from Justin Tucker?’ I’m not really planning on doing that right now,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game. “I don’t think that’d be wise.”
A Rare Off Day for the GOAT
The game started on a sour note for Tucker when his extra-point attempt in the first quarter clanged off the left upright. Things didn’t improve in the third quarter. With the Ravens trailing 14-12, Tucker had two opportunities to give Baltimore the lead. First, he missed wide left on a 47-yard attempt. Then, on a 53-yard try, he pushed it wide right. While a high snap may have contributed to the latter miss, Tucker wasn’t looking for excuses.
“I feel like I cost us this one, but it doesn’t really do anybody any good to dwell on it,” Tucker said. “The only thing that we can do — that I can do — is just continue to work, move forward, take it one kick at a time. I hate that I’ve had to have this same conversation over the course of this season, but that’s something that comes with the territory in this job description. The kicks are either good or they’re not, and today, I did not do a good enough job to help our team win the football game.”
Despite the misses, Tucker did manage to convert two field goals during the game, hitting from 34 yards in the first quarter and from 50 yards just before halftime. But for a player who has been the gold standard at his position, the misses are becoming an unsettling trend.
By the Numbers: Tucker’s Uncharacteristic Season
Let’s break it down:
- Tucker’s eight missed field goals this season are the most in any single season of his career.
- Through 13 weeks, Tucker ranks 33rd in the NFL with a 70.4% field goal conversion rate (19-of-27).
- His 10 missed kicks this season (eight field goals and two extra points) lead the NFL.
For context, Tucker entered this season with an NFL-best 90.2% success rate, having made 395 of 438 field goals. Just three years ago, he set the NFL record with a jaw-dropping 66-yard field goal in Detroit. This year, however, has been a different story.
Teammates and Coaches Rally Around Tucker
Despite his struggles, Tucker’s teammates and coaches remain confident in his ability to bounce back. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t hesitate when asked if he still believes in Tucker.
“Hell yes,” Jackson said. “He’s the GOAT still. Let’s get back to who he is, that’s all. Whatever is going on, just block it out.”
Harbaugh echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Tucker’s track record of success. “He’ll be the first to tell you he needs to make kicks, because he can,” Harbaugh said. “I just think if you look at Justin Tucker’s history, you’d have to say he’s capable of doing that. That’s something that he’s going to want to do, and we’re all going to want him to do it.”
Looking Ahead
This isn’t the first time Tucker has faced adversity. His previous worst season came in 2015 when he missed seven field goals. The following year, he rebounded in spectacular fashion, making 38-of-39 field goals (97.4%). Tucker is determined to use the Ravens’ upcoming bye week to figure out what’s gone wrong and how to fix it.
“We’re going to turn over every stone,” Tucker said. “I will do that, individually, for sure, just to address any and all issues I may have with my technique, anything tangible, anything concrete that I can make it a point to remedy. The only thing that we can do is just get back to work and do the things that we know will help our team win football games.”
For now, the Ravens are standing by their kicker, and Tucker is focused on regaining his form. With his history of resilience and excellence, it’s hard to bet against him. But as the season progresses, all eyes will be on Tucker to see if he can reclaim his title as the most reliable kicker in the game.
Originally Written by: Jamison Hensley
