At one point in time, Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens was considered one of the best kickers in the NFL, if not the best, as he was as dependable and clutch as any player in the league at his position.
Unfortunately for the veteran, that distinction is no longer linked to him, as he’s had his fair share of struggles and has shown that he’s human and can make mistakes like any other kicker on the professional level.
In Week 11, the Ravens played one of their most important games of the season, taking on the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in a contest crucial to the race for the division title in the AFC North.
Ultimately, Baltimore fell short on the road at Acrisure Stadium, with Tucker going 1-for-3 with his field-goal attempts, which isn’t ideal for a kicker of his caliber, especially in a game the Ravens needed to win.
Tucker recently opened up about his recent struggles and how seriously he takes missing field goals in crucial moments.
“Believe me when I say nobody takes it more personally than I do. Nobody is more affected than me when I miss a kick,” Tucker said, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN. “… At the exact same time, my particular line of work requires, in my opinion, that I compartmentalize my feelings.”
Justin Tucker: “Believe me, when I say nobody takes it more personally than I do, nobody is more affected than me when I miss the kick. At the exact same time, my particular line of work requires in my opinion that I compartmentalize my feelings.” pic.twitter.com/R2oWKPv9cf
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 20, 2024
If the Ravens hope to get over the hump this season and advance to the Super Bowl, they are going to need to be able to count on Tucker to come through in these moments.
Only time will tell if he’s up to the task at this point in his career and can return to form as an elite kicker and weapon.
