Football is a team game where the outcome hinges on 60 minutes of collective effort. However, while losses are never ultimately chalked up to one player and one play, sometimes one moment can shift the balance of an entire contest. The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to this kind of heartbreak.
Baltimore has been the king of nail-biting playoff losses in recent seasons. Whether it has been drops in the waning minutes, turnovers in the red zone, or defensive slip-ups on the final drive of the game, the Ravens have been through it all in the past decade-plus, and many singular players have found themselves in the middle of late-game controversy. In 2025, much of their fate could fall into the hands of one rookie.
2025 sixth-round pick Tyler Loop is being handed the tall task of replacing Justin Tucker. Tucker was the ultimate clutch player, bailing the Ravens out countless times.
This season, they will turn to a new kicker for the first time in 13 years. While it is unfair to place those heavy expectations on the rookie, it is a harsh reality that the 23-year-old will have to face this year. Kicking is a make-or-break position, and Loop will have to prove he has the clutch gene.
Jamison Hensley, ESPN’s reporter for the Baltimore Ravens, provided an update on the team’s training camp following their joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts and ahead of their preseason opener. When asked what the biggest question still facing the Ravens in preseason is, he answered Baltimore’s kicking situation. Hensley wrote:
“But Harbaugh said Loop still has to show he can deliver in the preseason. Loop has been impressive this summer with his leg strength and consistency, making 90% of his kicks. He is the heavy favorite to replace Justin Tucker. If Loop would struggle in the preseason, the Ravens would likely bring in a veteran kicker.”
Ravens’ 2025 success could hinge on rookie kicker Tyler Loop
As Hensley said, Loop has been incredibly impressive in training camp, especially since the Ravens released fellow rookie kicker John Hoyland. The former Arizona Wildcat has been perfect in the practices since Hoyland’s release.
The stretch includes an 11-for-11 showing on Sunday and a 7-for-7 performance on Wednesday. He is also showcasing a booming leg, impressing from 50-plus yards out. Unofficially, he is 58-for-62 in training camp. Still, live game action is a different animal, and the preseason will reveal whether Loop is NFL-ready.
Loop will be under the lights for the first time at the professional level in Baltimore’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. As the only kicker on the roster, he will get every opportunity to showcase why he should be the starting kicker heading into the regular season. If he slips up, though, the Ravens will have no issue bringing in competition to compete through the remainder of the summer.