Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens' renowned kicker and once the paragon of consistency in the NFL, seems to be navigating unfamiliar waters this season. Known for his unparalleled accuracy, Tucker experienced a rare setback during a recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he missed three field goals alongside an extra point, raising questions about his mechanical form.
Tucker's unmatched talent once set the standard in the league. With a career average conversion rate of 90.5% before 2023, he was held in high regard as the most accurate kicker in football history. Even in the face of challenges, such as in 2023, he maintained commendable numbers: successfully converting 51 of 52 extra point attempts, making all 20 field goals inside 40 yards, and achieving an impressive 11 of 12 on kicks ranging from 40 to 49 yards. It's in the longer range, however, that cracks began to show, with a troubling 1 of 5 success rate on kicks from 50 yards or more.
In the current season's first seven weeks, Tucker remained infallible with extra points, going 26 of 26 and executing 12 of 15 field goals. Yet, since Week 8, his performance has slightly faltered, achieving only 7 of 12 on field goals. This span has seen him missing five pivotal kicks from distances of 50, 47, 50, 47, and 53 yards—a stark contrast from his previous impeccable record.
Concerns about Tucker's form haven't gone unnoticed. Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick provided insights into Tucker's struggles, emphasizing the mechanical aspect of the issue. “Obviously there's something that's a little bit off from a technique standpoint. But I don't see that there's like a lack of talent. I think there's something mechanically that he's not doing consistently. If you have the key to unlock that problem, then probably everything could be great,” Belichick stated, reflecting on Tucker’s longstanding reputation and current predicament. “Clearly this extends back even to last year a little bit, too, because there were some accuracy issues last year in the '23 season as well as the current season. So I think Coach Harbaugh is doing the right thing. I would stick with Justin Tucker. This guy was the most accurate kicker in the history of football. He gets great height on the ball. He's been super consistent. He's obviously having a little bit of a rough patch right here, but it doesn't look to me like his talent level has declined. There's something mechanically that just isn't quite right all the time. I think they just gotta work hard and try to find that.”
Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh seems to concur with the sentiment, showing steadfast confidence in Tucker's ability to overcome this mechanical hitch. Harbaugh's decision to stand by Tucker is bolstered by the kicker’s exceptional track record, including a perfect streak following last season’s Week 13 bye, where Tucker nailed all 21 extra points and 15 field goals.
The support Tucker receives from those around him underscores the trust in his capability to reclaim his unmatched form. It’s not uncommon for even the most elite athletes to experience a dip in performance, and Tucker's minor slump could well be an opportunity to fine-tune and regain his technical perfection.
As fans and analysts watch with bated breath, the focus remains on whether Tucker can recalibrate his mechanics and return to his dominant stature. The Ravens’ success may hinge on his leg, but the consistency and precision that marked Tucker's previous performances suggest that a resurgence is not just hopeful but expected.