As the NFL's 2024 season progresses, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, renowned for his historically unmatched precision, finds himself navigating unprecedented waters. Recognized as the most accurate kicker in NFL history with a career success rate of 89.7%, this season has challenged his standing, bringing a noticeable dip in his usual performance levels.
A Season of Departing Precision
By Week 11 of the 2024 season, Tucker's accuracy had sunk to 79%, positioning him as the seventh-worst among kickers who have attempted at least ten field goals. The drop is significant for Tucker, signaling a rare period of struggle. He has, thus far, missed six field goals, a number that is uncomfortably close to his career high of seven misses set back in 2015.
Challenges in Crucial Games
In a recent divisional face-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tucker, who had made 15 of 19 field goals before the game, faltered under pressure. Missing two attempts in the first quarter—a 42-yard and a 50-yard—marked a historic low not only for Tucker but also for any Ravens kicker, as no one had missed two field goals in the opening quarter of a game before. This highlighted a series of critical junctures for the veteran kicker, who has struggled particularly from long-range this season.
Range-Specific Performance
While Tucker remains flawless from 20 to 39 yards with a spotless 9 of 9 record in 2024, his precision starts to waver when the attempts stretch further. He is 4 of 6 from 40 to 49 yards, a decent return but not to his usual standards. However, it is beyond the 50-yard mark where his challenges are most pronounced. He has managed just 2 out of 6 from long range this season and carries over struggles from last season, with a sum of 3 of 11 on such attempts over the past two years.
Operational Despite Setbacks
Despite the downturn in field goal success, Tucker's proficiency on extra points remains commendable, missing only one out of his 38 attempts this season. His consistency in this department continues to contribute positively to the Ravens' scorelines, even as the team hopes for an uptick in his other kicking metrics.
With six games remaining after their matchup against the Steelers, and a well-placed bye week offering a respite, there is still time for Tucker to recalibrate. A recalibration that is crucial for both his personal records and the Ravens' ambitions heading deeper into the season.
The bye week could not have arrived at a more opportune moment, providing Tucker a chance to reset and refine his technique, aiming to restore the hallmark accuracy that has made him one of the most reliable players in NFL history. Tucker’s teammates and fans alike will be looking to his willingness and ability to respond to these challenges, as the kicker’s performance holds significant sway in close, hard-fought future contests.
As the Ravens brace for the remainder of the season, Justin Tucker’s quest to return to form will be one of the pivotal sagas. Can the decorated kicker adjust and finish strong, once again proving himself the hero Baltimore needs? History and his track record suggest he can. But in sports, as ever, only time will tell.