Justin Tucker, long hailed as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, experienced the worst game of his 13-year career during the Ravens’ 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Tucker missed three kicks—a pair of field goals and an extra point—marking an unprecedented low point. His struggles contributed to the Ravens’ defeat in a game where every point mattered. Despite his exceptional track record, Tucker’s uncharacteristic performance has sparked concern about his current form.
Tucker’s missed kicks included field goal attempts from 47 and 53 yards in the third quarter and an extra point in the first. His 47-yarder went wide left, and the extra point struck the left upright. The 53-yard attempt veered wide right, though Tucker dismissed the idea that his recent leftward misses influenced this miss. “I didn’t strike the ball on the exact target line,” he explained, attributing the error to a technical misstep rather than overcompensation. Despite converting from 34 and 50 yards later in the game, those makes provided little solace.
This season has been Tucker’s most challenging, with his field goal percentage plummeting to a career-low 70%. He has missed 10 kicks, the most in the NFL, and his inconsistency has been especially costly in losses. Two weeks ago, he missed pivotal field goals in a narrow defeat to the Steelers, echoing Sunday’s frustrations. Reflecting on the game, Tucker expressed personal responsibility but emphasized the need to move forward. “The only thing I can do is just continue to work, take it one kick at a time,” he said.
Head Coach John Harbaugh reaffirmed his confidence in Tucker despite the mounting issues, dismissing any notion of replacing him. “Are we going to move on from Justin Tucker? I’m not really planning on doing that,” Harbaugh stated. He pointed to Tucker’s storied history as evidence of his capability to rebound. Similarly, teammates rallied around him, with quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews expressing unwavering support. “He’s the G.O.A.T. still,” Jackson said. “He’ll get it done.”
As the Ravens head into their bye week, the timing offers an opportunity for reflection and adjustment. Tucker plans to evaluate his technique thoroughly to identify and rectify any mechanical flaws. His commitment to maintaining a high standard reflects his professional ethos, a trait his teammates admire. Andrews highlighted Tucker’s resilience and professionalism, noting, “He’s about the most pro that you can get.”
The loss to the Eagles underscores broader struggles for the Ravens, whose season has been marred by inconsistent execution in critical moments. Tucker’s uncharacteristic struggles epitomize the team’s challenges in maintaining a high level of play. With pivotal games ahead, the Ravens will need both their iconic kicker and the rest of the team to rediscover their form to remain competitive in a tightly contested AFC North race.
