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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Larry Brown Jr.

Justin Tucker is having the worst season of his career

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has been one of the most dominant kickers in NFL history, ensuring three points when the offense stalls out or, more importantly, when a game-winning kick is needed. Yet, at 80.8%, Tucker’s success rate on field goals this season is a career low.

In 2022, Tucker led the NFL in field goals made. This year, he ranks No. 12 with 21 made kicks. Tucker also led the NFL in field goal attempts last season, and his sure leg has taken some expected decline this year. At age 34, Tucker has been asked to make five field goals from 50-plus yards this season, and he has only connected on one.

These stats explain why quarterback Lamar Jackson’s mediocrity in the passing game must be fixed. The Ravens must continue finishing drives with touchdowns and detach from the idea that Tucker will be perfect.

Tucker’s perfection has been a luxury for the Ravens in the past, but now they must be realistic about their expectations of him. With the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense in points allowed, the Ravens should enter the next few games with fair optimism. Their timely Week 13 bye may be precisely what they need to recalibrate before the final stretch of the season.

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