Tucker's Precision Slips in 2024 NFL Season; Uncharacteristic Struggles for Ravens' Star Kicker
Justin Tucker, widely regarded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, is facing an uncharacteristically challenging season in 2024. Known for his precision with an impressive career success rate of 89.7%, Tucker has set a standard that few, if any, peers can reach. However, this season indicates a departure from his usual form.
As of Week 11 of the 2024 season, Tucker’s field goal accuracy has dipped to 79%, a significant decline from his career averages. This performance is particularly surprising given Tucker's historical consistency and reliability. Currently, he ranks seventh-worst in field goal accuracy among kickers with at least ten attempts. Such statistics are startling not only for Tucker but for fans accustomed to seeing the veteran remain at the top of the leaderboard.
By mid-season, Tucker had already missed six field goals, nearing his career high of seven misses in a single season, set back in 2015. These misses seem to weigh heavily, particularly in crucial divisional matchups like the one against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to this encounter, Tucker had successfully converted 15 of his 19 attempts but during the game, he faltered early on, missing two attempts in the first quarter: a 42-yarder and a 50-yarder.
The misses against Pittsburgh marked a historic first for both Tucker and the Ravens, as it was the first instance of two missed field goals in the opening quarter by a Ravens kicker. Such uncharacteristic struggles raise questions regarding the challenges faced by the celebrated kicker this season.
Nonetheless, Justin Tucker's performance remains flawless within certain distances. Impressively, he has maintained a perfect record from 20 to 39 yards, successfully completing all nine attempts in 2024. His record from 40 to 49 yards, however, shows some inconsistency with Tucker converting only four of six attempts. The most notable decline is seen from beyond 50 yards, where he's managed only two of six hits this season and three of eleven over the past two seasons.
Despite his struggles with longer attempts, Tucker has been near-perfect on extra points, nailing 37 out of 38. This suggests that while long-range field goals remain a challenge this season, his short-range game and extra-point precision are still dependable features of the Ravens' special teams unit.
With six games remaining and a bye week providing the Ravens with a much-needed breather, there lies an opportunity for Tucker to recalibrate and refocus on reclaiming his historical form. The bye week might offer a crucial period for rest and adjustment, allowing Tucker a chance to dissect any mechanical flaws or psychological barriers affecting his performance.
As the Ravens strategize for a strong second half of the season, all eyes will be on whether Tucker can adjust course and regain the accuracy that has been a hallmark of his illustrious career. His ability to bounce back could prove pivotal not just for his legacy but also for the Ravens’ playoff ambitions.