For years, Justin Tucker has been synonymous with reliability and clutch performances. The Baltimore Ravens’ kicker is arguably the greatest to ever do it, with a legacy of game-winning moments and jaw-dropping accuracy. But this season has been different. Tucker, now 35, is struggling in a way that fans and analysts never expected.
At 19-for-27 in field goals (70.4%) and 42-for-44 on extra points, Tucker’s numbers this season are a far cry from his career average. He recently lost his title as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, and to some, he is part of the reason the Ravens have been faltering in key games this year.
Missed Kicks and Missed Opportunities
The struggles of Tucker were on full display this past Sunday in a 33-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He left seven points on the board with missed kicks, and in a game decided by five points, those misses loom large. It’s not an isolated incident, either. In four of Baltimore’s five losses this season, Tucker has missed field goals that, if made, could have flipped the outcome in the Ravens’ favor.
Ravens Record in games Justin Tucker makes all field goals or didn’t attempt a FG:
7-0
Ravens Record in games Justin Tucker misses a field goal:
1-5
The Ravens have not lost a game by more than 1 score this year, and this guy is a big reason we are 8-5, not 11-2 or better pic.twitter.com/eVOVMIpeBA
— ice ❄️ (@iceup89) December 2, 2024
Take Week 11, for example, in which the Ravens lost 18-16 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tucker missed a key kick in that one, and his failure to convert prevented Baltimore from winning.
As noted on social media by CBS Sports researcher Doug Clawson, had Tucker connected on those types of tries in each of those two losses, the Ravens could very easily be 12-1 right now. That’s the type of speculation that comes easy, but all things being equal, the cold hard data supports that his issues have had an actual tangible effect on the bottom line for this team’s record.
Time to Move On from Tucker?
Unsurprisingly, some fans are calling for the Ravens to part ways with their once-reliable kicker. Head coach John Harbaugh, however, has voiced his support for Tucker, pushing back against the idea of cutting ties.
“It’s Justin Tucker,” Harbaugh said in a recent press conference. “We’re talking about one of the greatest kickers of all time. Every player goes through ups and downs. We’re behind him.”
It’s difficult to ignore, however, that Tucker’s deal gives Baltimore an “out” after this season. The team could release him, eating a $7.5 million dead cap hit but perhaps clearing space to find a younger, more consistent kicker.
Would the Ravens really take such a drastic approach? Given Tucker’s body of work to this point, it seems unlikely, but the NFL is a business, and results matter.
John Harbaugh said there are no plans to move on from kicker Justin Tucker, who has struggled with two missed FGs and an extra point Sunday pic.twitter.com/9YASmb0gEi
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 2, 2024
Tucker’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
It’s been an uncharacteristically rough season, but one should keep in mind that Tucker’s resume is second to none. In his career, he has made 90.5% of his field goals and set the record for the longest field goal in NFL history with a 66-yard game-winner in 2021.
At 35, Tucker may be entering the twilight of his career, but that doesn’t mean he can’t bounce back. The Ravens could give him another year to straighten things out, betting on his ability to return to form. For a player who has given so many iconic moments, it feels too early to write him off completely.
The Final Word
Justin Tucker has earned the benefit of the doubt, but it’s a reality that this season’s struggles can’t be ignored. His misses have contributed to Baltimore losing, and a tough decision lies ahead in the offseason.
Justin Tucker after missing two field goals and an extra point
“I feel like I cost us this one” pic.twitter.com/44RoOZJ2fo
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) December 2, 2024
Do they stick with a player who’s been a cornerstone of their success, or do they take the risk of moving on? Either way, Tucker’s legacy as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history is secure- it’s just a question of whether he can add to it in Baltimore or elsewhere.
Also Read:
- Beyoncé to Light Up Christmas Day Halftime Show for Ravens-Texans Matchup
- “Line him up at receiver,” Steelers Legend Offers An Idea Using Justin Fields
- Tom Brady and Son Jack Share Courtside Moment at Knicks Game
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content
Follow me on Twitter @BRRohrbaugh and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay updated on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.
1 Comment
So the only games that mattered by field goal miss was the Steelers game he missed 2 field goals, the Raiders game he missed one that would’ve tied it, and the Eagles game he missed 2 and 1PA. Chiefs game he missed 1 field goal but that wouldn’t of helped down 7 points. Browns game he missed a field goal and that wouldn’t of helped being down by 5. All the other games besides Eagles game penalties hurt the Ravens. Eagles game they almost played penalty free compared to the usual and Stanley and Mekari had none which was amazing. Eagles had to many penalties to count. I definitely feel after Tuckers 2nd miss he killed the offense momentum and they felt the worry and pressure.