The Baltimore Ravens’ offense may have stolen the headlines this season, but as the playoffs begin, Baltimore fans know the postseason could once again hinge on the leg of Justin Tucker. After an uncharacteristically shaky regular season, the NFL’s most accurate kicker in history looks like his old self again—and not a moment too soon.
Tucker’s 2024 campaign was anything but typical. A career-low 73.3% field goal conversion rate had some questioning whether the 35-year-old was starting to show signs of decline. From rare misses in clutch moments to uncharacteristic struggles on long attempts, the six-time All-Pro kicker seemed...human.
But as the season wore on, something clicked. Over the last month, Tucker has gone a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals (including two from beyond 50 yards) and 18-for-18 on extra points, putting those early-season woes firmly in the rearview.
For a team built on efficiency and precision, having Tucker back to vintage form is the kind of edge that could make the difference in the Ravens’ Super Bowl push. After all, postseason football is often decided by a handful of plays—and few players have a resume of clutch moments quite like Tucker.
Justin Tucker is bouncing back at the perfect time
Tucker’s recent resurgence isn’t just a sigh of relief; it’s a reminder of why he’s earned “GOAT” status among NFL kickers. The Ravens’ special teams coordinator Chris Horton summed it up perfectly: “There hasn't been anything unusual about him.” Over the last four games, Tucker has nailed his target line, struck the ball with authority, and, most importantly, erased any lingering doubts about his reliability.
This isn’t just about raw statistics; it’s about the aura Tucker brings to the field—just ask his former college teammate, Colt McCoy. Opposing teams know that once Baltimore crosses midfield, points are essentially guaranteed. His NFL-record 66-yarder from 2021 still looms large in the minds of defenders and fans alike, a constant reminder that no kick is too daunting for Tucker.
The Ravens will need that aura—and those points—this postseason. Baltimore’s offense has been electric, but playoff football is a different beast. Harsh weather conditions, tighter defenses, and razor-thin margins often mean kickers have to rise to the occasion. Tucker has done it time and again, and his December turnaround suggests he’s ready to do it again.
While Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Baltimore’s dynamic receiving corps will be tasked with carrying the Ravens offensively, Tucker’s role looms just as large. His ability to consistently deliver points from anywhere on the field provides a cushion for a team that’s likely to face tight games against the NFL’s elite.
Head coach John Harbaugh has never wavered in his confidence in Tucker, even during the kicker’s struggles. That belief is now paying off. Tucker’s late-season rebound isn’t just a boost for the Ravens’ special teams unit; it’s a statement to the rest of the league: Baltimore has its closer back.
In playoff football, you don’t get second chances. Every drive, every decision, and yes, every kick matters. And with Tucker locked in, the Ravens have one of the ultimate postseason weapons on their side. The road to the Super Bowl is long and unforgiving, but as the Ravens begin their playoff journey, one thing is clear: Justin Tucker looks back and ready to deliver.
