Justin Tucker’s struggles are becoming growing concern for the Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has been a mainstay in Baltimore since he signed as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2012 NFL draft. Tucker ended up being one of the biggest UDFA signings in Baltimore's history.

Since 2012, all he's done is become an eight-time All-Pro, a seven-time Pro-Bowler, and the Ravens' all-time leading point scorer with 1,668 points.

Tucker has always been known as one of the most steady and competent kickers in the league. It became very clear that 50-yard field goals were not much of a problem for Tucker's leg. Quickly after the realization, he'd smash the NFL's longest field goal make in its history by four yards, setting a new benchmark of 66 yards.

However, over the past couple of seasons, he's gone from reliability to liability. He just hasn't looked like himself and it's been showing up on game day.

Baltimore Ravens might legitimately have a Justin Tucker problem

For all the amazing moments and records Tucker's had and set his recent play suggests he's declining in ability. Since 2022, Tucker has attempted 21 field goals of distances 50 yards or more. He has made only 10 of them. For the non-math people out there, he is now making less than half of those he's attempting.

What makes matters more glaring is that from 2016-2021, he attempted 36 field goals of distances 50 yards or more and made 30 of them. Again, for our non-math members, that's an astounding 83% success rate on kicks of the longest distance quantified by the NFL.

Furthermore, this decline has been sharp. Tucker only made one of five last season and he starts the season this year with two misses on two attempts. Of his last seven attempts beyond 50 yards, Tucker has made only one. Kickers usually aren't in the spotlight unless something goes wrong - unfortunately for Tucker, things have been going wrong and he finds himself in the spotlight.

The noise is picking up and the Ravens might have a legitimate Justin Tucker problem on their hands. Mainstream media is picking up on his struggles as well and he'll only escape the spotlight if he performs well and starts looking like the kicker we know he can be.

It’s a shame it’s come to this, but when you’re known for being automatic from beyond 50 yards and suddenly become one of the most inconsistent, it’s bound to raise some red flags. Whichever way you slice it, Tucker needs to be better. The Ravens rely on him for his field goals. He's a big part of their offense and a weapon.

The signs are reading Tucker's downfall, but we're hoping he quickly finds his mojo and confidence again soon. It's hard to watch him struggle and it's fair to call into question how reliable he is moving forward. It's a story to continue monitoring going into Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys.

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