Justin Tucker: A Season of Struggles and Records
As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for the remainder of the NFL season, all eyes are on kicker Justin Tucker, who has been having a challenging year. This tough period has seen him miss multiple kicks, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
In the recent Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tucker had an unfortunate outing, missing three kicks throughout the game. This includes two missed field goals and an extra point, which not only set a new personal record for single-game misses but also pushed his total for the season to a staggering 10 missed kicks, marking the most in his illustrious career.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh visibly supported Tucker during the game, wrapping him in a hug after he missed a crucial 53-yard field goal attempt while the team trailed by two points. Tucker’s early misses included a 47-yard field goal and an extra point following a touchdown reception by Mark Andrews.
Despite Struggles, Tucker Sets a New Record
Even amid his difficulties this season, Tucker has achieved a remarkable milestone. His first-quarter 34-yard field goal against the Eagles marked his 1,744th career point, establishing him as the player with the most points accumulated in the first 13 seasons of any NFL kicker.
Throughout this season, Tucker has made 19 out of 27 field goal attempts and maintained a solid performance with 41 of 43 successful extra points. This record, however, reflects a significant drop from his usual top-tier performance, ranking him 37th in field-goal percentage and 27th in extra-point accuracy.
What Does the Future Hold for Tucker?
This downward trend has sparked discussions among fans regarding the reasons behind Tucker’s decline in form. Harbaugh has continued to back Tucker, noting that he deserves the opportunity to work through this slump, given his history of excellence.
As the Ravens continue their campaign for playoff contention alongside star players like quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, Tucker’s contributions will be crucial. There is hope that the legendary kicker can reclaim his form and contribute positively to Baltimore’s chances in December.
Only time will tell if Tucker can bounce back in what has been one of the most challenging seasons of his career, but one thing is certain: his legacy as one of the greatest kickers of all time remains intact.
