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Jamison Hensley, ESPN writer
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker made it clear Wednesday that no one is more upset than he is about his unusual struggles.
Tucker’s six missed field goals this season are tied for second in the NFL, trailing only Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo (seven misses). Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is 16 of 22 (72.7%), his worst conversion rate in 11 games in his 13-year career.
“Believe me when I say that nobody takes it more personally than me, nobody is more affected than me when I miss the kick,” Tucker said. “So yes, I take it very personally. At the same time, my particular line of work requires, in my opinion, compartmentalizing my feelings. I put them aside and focus on the action of kicking the ball and not on the action.” . consequence.
“So, as difficult as it may be at times, that’s the challenge I’m facing now. That’s my only option, to just continue working and focusing on the action, focusing on the process and letting the results take care of us.” “. themselves after just getting to work.
It’s surprising when Tucker has so many flaws this late in the season. It’s even more surprising because of how he misses his kicks.
In his previous two seasons combined (2022 and 2023), Tucker missed the left side twice. This season, he has been open left on all six of his misses.
“The fit is pretty clear,” Tucker said. “I just need to make sure I don’t let the ball go to the left. So that’s something we’re going to continue to work on in practice.”
Tucker isn’t the only generally reliable kicker who is falling this season. Koo, who began the season as the fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed seven field goal attempts. Ka’imi Fairbairn, who ranked eighth all-time entering the season, missed five field goal attempts.
With two misses in Sunday’s 18-16 loss to the Steelers, Tucker is no longer the most accurate kicker in NFL history. His 89.3% conversion rate fell behind Eddy Piñeiro’s (89.4%).
On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the team would not bring in kickers to compete with Tucker, saying he was still the best option.
“I appreciate it,” Tucker said of Harbaugh’s trust in him. “And it’s something I will strive to reward.”
No current kicker has been with the same team longer than Tucker, who joined the Ravens as an undrafted rookie in 2012. He turns 35 on Thursday.
When asked where he is at mentally, Tucker said he’s “really good.”
“I appreciate you checking in, but it doesn’t matter how I feel,” Tucker said. “The important thing is how I act. I really feel that way.”
