The Baltimore Ravens are facing a familiar challenge: a slumping Justin Tucker. The
NFL's all-time leading kicker has struggled with his accuracy this season, raising concerns about his future. However, head coach John Harbaugh remains unwavering in his support for the veteran kicker.
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Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, often regarded as one of the NFL's most reliable kickers, is off to an unusually rocky start this season.
Through the first three games, Tucker has missed three of eight field goal attempts, including both tries from over 50 yards. His struggles became particularly noticeable during Sunday’s 28-25 win, where a missed 46-yarder gave the Dallas Cowboys a late opportunity to tighten the scoreline. What’s concerning for the Ravens is that all three of Tucker’s misses have gone wide left.
Despite the setbacks, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has expressed confidence that Tucker, who turns 35 in November, will find his way out of this slump. Dismissing any serious concerns, Harbaugh pointed to technical adjustments that need to be made. "It's just a technique issue right now that he's working through," Harbaugh explained. He added, "He knows exactly what it is... and I'm very confident that he will work through it." For a kicker of Tucker’s caliber, minor adjustments can often resolve such issues.
Justin Tucker's Current Form
Tucker’s current field goal conversion rate of 62.5%, which ranks last among 29 qualified NFL kickers, is uncharacteristic of a player who holds the NFL record for the longest field goal at 66 yards. In contrast, the Cowboys’ kicker, Brandon Aubrey, further solidified his position as the league’s top kicker by nailing a 65-yard field goal during the same game, subtly signaling a potential shift in the league's kicker hierarchy.
Tucker’s struggles date back to the 2023 season, where he managed only one successful field goal from beyond 50 yards out of five attempts. Despite those struggles, his reputation earned him a Pro Bowl spot. However, as Harbaugh mentioned, his bond with Tucker runs deep. The coach acknowledged the conversations he's had with Tucker, saying, "We've been together for a long time, have had a lot of conversations. I just love the guy, respect him. He's everything you want in a player and a friend."
As the season progresses, the key question remains: how long will Harbaugh’s trust in Tucker hold if his 50-yard struggles continue? Tucker has earned respect throughout his career, but football is a results-driven sport, and adjustments will be critical for the Ravens’ success.
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