Justin Tucker's Shocking Downturn in 2024: What’s Happening to the NFL’s Greatest Kicker?
Justin Tucker entered this NFL season as a widely celebrated icon in the world of football—a name synonymous with precision, power, and clutch performances. For over a decade, Tucker has been considered the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) among kickers, earning accolades and admiration during his 12 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Yet, the 2024 season has turned into a startling narrative no one could have predicted, making it one of the most unexpected storylines in the NFL this year.
The GOAT’s Historic Resume
Tucker’s resume speaks for itself. Until last year, he held the title of the most accurate kicker in NFL history—a testament to his uncanny ability to perform under pressure. Whether it was a game-winning field goal from 50+ yards or a critical extra point in the dying seconds of a game, Tucker had always delivered. His consistency and range had many football analysts penciling him in as a future Hall of Fame inductee.
But even the best in the game are not immune to rough patches. And this year, the cracks in Tucker’s armor are beginning to show.
A Miserable 2024 Season
Fast forward to Week 13 of the 2024 season. The Ravens were facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Tucker’s struggles continued. By this point, he had already missed six field goals and one extra point, an uncharacteristic slump for someone of his caliber. During the game, those numbers climbed further, as Tucker missed two more extra points and two additional field goals.
After a touchdown by Mark Andrews gave Baltimore a lead, Tucker lined up for what should have been a routine extra point. Instead, the kick ricocheted off the left upright—a recurring theme this season. Later, Tucker attempted a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter, only to miss again. And in the fourth quarter, when he lined up for a 53-yard attempt, the ball sailed wide right.
By the Numbers: Tucker’s Alarming Decline
For a kicker of Justin Tucker’s pedigree, his 2024 stats are astonishing—and not in a good way. Here’s a breakdown of his struggles:
- Field Goal Accuracy: Tucker has converted less than 73% of his field goals this year, ranking him 36th in the league. To put that into perspective, he has never dipped below 82% in any previous season.
- Misses by Range: This year, Tucker has missed two field goals in the 40-yard range and a staggering four from the 50-yard range.
- Extra Point Struggles: Even his extra points, once automatic, have faltered.
Three missed kicks in a single game would be shocking for any NFL kicker, let alone someone who has built a career on being the league’s most reliable leg.
A Nightmare Scenario for Baltimore
The Ravens, sitting in playoff contention, now face an uncomfortable question: could Tucker’s slump cost them a postseason game? It’s a scenario that would have been unthinkable at the start of the season. Yet, as the misses pile up, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether the team’s once-unshakable faith in Tucker will become their Achilles' heel.
Imagine the Ravens needing a critical field goal in a playoff game. In years past, they’d confidently put the game on Tucker’s foot. But this year? That confidence is wavering, and understandably so.
What’s Behind the Struggles?
Kickers, like quarterbacks and wide receivers, are subject to the mental and physical pressures of the game. Even the smallest changes in mechanics, confidence, or external conditions can wreak havoc on their performance. While Tucker has shown remarkable mental toughness throughout his career, his recent string of misses—particularly to the left—suggests a technical or psychological issue that hasn’t been resolved.
It’s worth noting that kickers often operate in a rhythm, and one bad game can snowball into a full-blown slump. For Tucker, who is held to impossibly high standards, every miss is magnified, both by the media and in his own mind.
Can Tucker Bounce Back?
Fans of the Baltimore Ravens and the NFL at large are left with one burning question: Can Justin Tucker turn things around?
The truth is, great players often do. Tucker has the experience, the talent, and the work ethic to correct course. But with each passing week, the clock is ticking, and the stakes are rising. The Ravens need Tucker to find his rhythm—and fast—if they want to make a serious playoff run.
Why Tucker’s Legacy Remains Intact—for Now
Despite this season’s struggles, it’s important to keep perspective on Tucker’s career. His 12-year dominance, his record-breaking field goals, and his reputation as the game’s most reliable kicker cannot be erased by a single down year.
However, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, and fans’ memories can be short. For Tucker, the 2024 season isn’t just a slump—it’s a defining moment. How he responds in the coming weeks could determine not only the Ravens’ fate but also his legacy as the NFL’s kicking GOAT.
A Reminder of Tucker’s Humanity
Ultimately, Tucker’s struggles are a reminder that even the best athletes are human. They face challenges, doubts, and setbacks just like anyone else. For fans, seeing Tucker fight to regain his form could serve as a source of inspiration—a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
So, while 2024 has been a tough season for Justin Tucker, it’s far from the end of his story. The next chapter, whether one of redemption or continued struggle, is yet to be written. And for the Ravens, their playoff hopes may well hinge on the foot of their embattled kicker.
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