In the annals of NFL history, few kickers have carved out a legacy quite like Justin Tucker. Known for his uncanny accuracy and powerful leg, Tucker's reputation as the most reliable kicker in football has been well-deserved. However, the star kicker finds himself amid a slump that has fans and experts alike searching for answers.
Justin Tucker, usually the embodiment of poise under pressure, struggled visibly in a recent matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, missing three field goals and an extra point. Such a performance was unexpected, given Tucker's exemplary career average conversion rate of 90.5% prior to the 2023 season. Despite his historically high standards, Tucker's recent form has sparked concerns, leading to a deeper examination of his current predicament.
In 2023, Tucker's statistics were largely reassuring. He successfully converted 51 of 52 extra point attempts, and his precision inside 40 yards remained flawless, as he made all 20 attempts. Even on the range of 40 to 49 yards, he only faltered once in 12 tries. Yet, Tucker's Achilles' heel this season has been his performance on kicks from 50 yards or more, where he's managed just one successful conversion out of five attempts.
As the current season commenced, Tucker continued his form, with no misses on 26 extra points and just three misses out of 15 field goal attempts in the opening seven weeks. However, since Week 8, there has been a concerning decline: Tucker has made only 7 of 12 field goal attempts, baffling many considering his storied accuracy.
Kicks from distance have proven particularly troublesome since Week 8. Of those recent misses, Tucker has faltered from distances of 50, 47, 50, 47, and 53 yards. Whether handling adverse weather conditions, minor injuries, or simply a mechanical hitch, the specifics remain undisclosed. What's clear, however, is an uncharacteristic dip in performance, prompting questions even among the staunchest supporters.
Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh has stood by his kicker through this rocky stretch, echoing the sentiment of many colleagues who believe that this is likely a temporary setback. Legendary New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick weighed in, pointing out potential causes, stating, “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’s insight reflects a comprehensive view shared by many in the coaching community. There is a consensus that Tucker's underlying talent and historical performance point more towards a momentary lapse rather than a terminal decline. Belichick further elaborated, “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.”
These sentiments encapsulate the faith that both the coaching staff and Tucker himself are likely banking on during this difficult stretch. Tucker's past resilience offers hope. Following a mid-season bye during Week 13 of last year, Tucker rebounded to finish the season flawlessly, converting all 21 extra point attempts and all 15 field goal tries. It serves as a reminder of his potential for a swift recovery with the right adjustments.
While the situation remains a concern, many fans and analysts remain optimistic that Tucker will regain his form. His mechanistic prowess and ability to recalibrate his technique cannot be understated. As the seasons progress and the stakes become higher, Tucker's vast experience and determination could prove invaluable in restoring his dominant presence.
In football, as in life, even the greatest face challenges that test their resolve. Justin Tucker, arguably the best to ever kick a football, appears poised to embrace this challenge. Whether he can unlock the key to his current struggles remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that the football world will be watching, anticipating yet another formidable comeback from Justin Tucker.