Kickers are one of the more undervalued positions in football. Just like
quarterbacks, if you don't have one... You have none to rely on
whatsoever. Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's 2024 season has
been filled with "he rarely misses chip shots." Well folks, the most
accurate kicker in league history has missed more than he ever has. Its
cost Baltimore close games and there's an underlying issue: mentally
struggling to retain his kicks.
From watching from a fan's optics, this issue has hampered Tucker in
more than one instance. Kicking in late game situations is crucial in
football. Yes, the pressure mounts for everyone involved. From the long
snapper to holder, everything must click to make it perfect. Technique
standpoint is offtrack causing mechanics to derail.
Going back to last year, Tucker showed signs of inaccuracy. Missing
extra points and crucial field goals has given Ravens fans nightmares.
Lack of confidence is settling and fans are feeling the season slip away
with each sailed kick not going through as normal. Missing five kicks in
the last three games is the difference in Baltimore gaining traction in a
very brutal AFC North. You can't afford to lose postseason games with
your kicker. Head coach John Harbaugh is sticking with Tucker in notion
he can turn it around and rebuild his confidence. They'll need him to
make a deep playoff run and return to the AFC title game. It's not an
easy choice to make this late in the season.
You can't go out and sign a kicker in early December and expect better
results. Tucker has been a great kicker for most of his career and age
could be showing as he's 35 years old. There has to be a sit-down with
him and build his confidence. Watching film to see where and why he's
losing mechanics in his leg. A kicker's value is very much needed and
struggling presents a mental hurdle one can fight or watch take flight.
Baltimore is currently 8-5 and chasing their division rival Pittsburgh
Steelers; along with keeping distance away from wild card teams in the
Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos. Their bye week came at
the right time to regroup and make a strong push. With remaining
games against the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston
Texans and Cleveland Browns, the Ravens to win three of four. Tucker
needs to take this bye week in and refresh his body and mind. Yes, it's
been a long season but a late bye could benefit his overall confidence in
making amends for his lackluster play. Baltimore will need Tucker to be
at his best and kick them into the postseason. No room for error and the
window is very small at this point. Hopefully, he can kick it back into
being clutch.
Stai tuned.
