Justin Tucker's Uncharacteristic Struggles Continue: A Season of Missed Opportunities

The Baltimore Ravens' Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker, widely regarded as one of the greatest placekickers in NFL history, is experiencing an unusual season of struggle. With a career field goal percentage of 89.7%, Tucker has been the most consistent and reliable kicker in the league, but this year, he's missing kicks at an alarming rate.

A Season to Forget

Tucker's woes continued in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he missed two field goal attempts in the first quarter, one from 47 yards out and another from 50 yards out. This brings his total to six missed field goals this season, a number that's already eclipsed his total from last year. The usually automatic Tucker has seen his field goal percentage plummet to a career-low 76.2% this season, a far cry from his career average. Despite his struggles, Tucker remains optimistic, stating that he's "still confident" in his abilities. He has a history of bouncing back from similar struggles, having missed seven field goals in 2015 and six in 2022. However, this season's numbers are starting to raise concerns among fans and pundits alike.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Tucker's struggles are not limited to his field goal attempts. According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Tucker has entered Week 11 with the seventh-worst field goal percentage (79%) among kickers with a minimum of 10 attempts. This is a stark contrast to his usual dominance, where he's consistently ranked among the top kickers in the league. The numbers are not just a fluke; they're a trend that's been building throughout the season. Tucker's inconsistency has become a recurring theme, with many of his missed kicks coming in crucial situations. The missed field goals have not only cost the Ravens valuable points but also momentum in games.

What's Behind the Struggles?

The cause of Tucker's struggles is not immediately clear. Some have speculated that it could be due to a combination of factors, including a change in his kicking technique or a issue with his mental approach. Others have pointed to the Ravens' kicking units, suggesting that there may be a problem with the snapping or holding. Tucker himself has offered little insight into his struggles, saying only that he's "still confident" in his abilities. While it's true that even the best kickers experience slumps, the frequency and severity of Tucker's misses are starting to raise concerns about his long-term viability.

Implications for the Ravens

The Ravens' reliance on Tucker's dependability has been a hallmark of their success in recent years. However, with Tucker's struggles continuing, the team may need to reevaluate its kicking strategy. The missed field goals have not only cost the Ravens points but also valuable momentum in games. As the season wears on, the Ravens will need to find a way to overcome Tucker's inconsistency. Whether that means working with him to refine his technique or exploring other kicking options remains to be seen.

A Rollercoaster Season

Justin Tucker's season has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs. While he's had moments of brilliance, his struggles have been more pronounced than in previous years. The kicker's future with the Ravens is not in doubt, but his recent form is a cause for concern. As the season draws to a close, one thing is clear: Justin Tucker needs to get back on track if the Ravens are to have any hope of making a deep playoff run.

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