Justin Tucker: A Rare Struggle in 2024
Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens' kicker, is often hailed as the epitome of consistency and precision in the NFL. His career field goal accuracy of 89.7% makes him the most accurate kicker in league history. However, the 2024 season has proven to be an anomaly for the usually reliable kicker as he faces a challenging slump, causing concerns among Ravens fans and analysts alike.
The Unexpected Dip
This season, Tucker's field goal percentage has fallen to an uncharacteristic 79% by Week 11. Among kickers who have attempted at least ten field goals, it places him the seventh-worst, a startling statistic for someone of his caliber. By this point in the season, he has missed six field goals, coming eerily close to his career-high of seven misses from back in 2015.
Tucker's recent struggles were on full display during a divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before this encounter, he had successfully converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts. Yet, in a surprising turn, Tucker missed two crucial kicks early in the first quarter—attempts from 42 and 50 yards. This marked the first occasion Tucker, or any Ravens kicker, missed two field goals in the opening quarter of a game.
A Breakdown of Accuracy
While Tucker continues to be perfect within the 20 to 39-yard range, boasting a flawless 9 of 9 in 2024, his performance from longer distances has faltered. Between 40 and 49 yards, he holds a respectable 4 of 6 record, though that is below his usual standards. Beyond 50 yards, where Tucker previously made his mark as one of the best, his efficiency has noticeably waned with a meager 2 of 6 success rate this season and a combined 3 of 11 across the past two seasons.
Despite these alarming statistics, Tucker continues to maintain his composure and reliability on extra point attempts, converting 37 out of 38 this season. This highlights that his struggles have largely materialized in longer-range field goals.
The Road Ahead
There is a silver lining as the Ravens head into their bye week following the Steelers matchup—a timely opportunity for Tucker to recalibrate. With six games remaining in the regular season, there remains ample time for Tucker to regain his form and bolster the Ravens’ postseason ambitions.
Throughout his career, Justin Tucker has set a standard of excellence that only a few have reached. It's this very reputation that magnifies his struggles in 2024. However, with the experience and mental fortitude that Tucker possesses, there's hope for both the player and the team that this season's setbacks are merely a blip on an otherwise stellar career.
As the Ravens prepare for the final stretch of the season, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on their seasoned kicker, not just in Baltimore but across the league, as fans and players alike wonder if Tucker can rebound and reclaim his title as the most dependable leg in the NFL.