Justin Tucker has been the talk of the town so far in the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season. The AFC North showdown on Sunday promised fans high-voltage action between quarterbacks and talented defensive lines, but Justin Tucker, the Ravens’ longtime kicking legend, found himself at the center of attention.
NFL Fans Believe that Justin Tucker Has Lost His Magic
Not long ago, Tucker was hailed as the NFL’s most reliable kicker. However, he struggled on Sunday, missing two first-quarter field goals that could have given Baltimore the early edge. Instead, the Ravens were down 3-0 after one quarter.
Tucker’s uncharacteristic misses — a 47-yarder and a 50-yarder — were a continuation of what’s shaping up to be the worst season of his storied career. Coming into this game, Tucker had already missed four field goals in 2024.
This is a sharp contrast to his usually flawless execution. His 78.9% field goal percentage is not only his career low but a far cry from the near-automatic consistency that earned him future Hall of Fame status.
Justin Tucker is now 15/21 this season on FG attempts (71.4%). 📉
Tucker's career FG average currently stands at 89.5%, the best in NFL history. He also has never had a season where he kicked under 82.5%. 👀 pic.twitter.com/MLDGXKYof1
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 17, 2024
Social media lit up with reactions after the rough start. One fan bluntly stated, “Justin Tucker is COOKED. Hard to watch, good lord.”
Justin Tucker is COOKED. Hard to watch good lord
— Zach Jones (@ZacharyJones198) November 17, 2024
Another chimed in, suggesting, “Justin Tucker, time to retire, bud.”
Justin Tucker time to retire bud
— OpeSlays (@OpeSlays) November 17, 2024
The memes came fast and furious, with some comparing him to a declined Mike Tyson.
Justin Tucker in 2024 pic.twitter.com/S6kYgTNZxB
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 17, 2024
One fan mocked Tucker by tweeting a job application for McDonald’s, saying, “Justin Tucker I got you bro”.
Justin Tucker I got you bro. pic.twitter.com/fErwQ0Djrh
— PickensBurgh🫡 (@PickensBurgh) November 17, 2024
“Me watching Justin Tucker lose to Father Time in 2024,” said another.
Me watching Justin Tucker lose to Father Time in 2024 pic.twitter.com/r04TbvBXT7
— Curtis Ray (@yarsitruc) November 17, 2024
Some were sympathetic; others lamented the decline of a player once considered untouchable in his craft.
“I’m so sorry Justin Tucker,” said another.
I’m so sorry Justin Tucker pic.twitter.com/pQhbum5e5J
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) November 17, 2024
“Justin Tucker being broken by Travis Kelce throwing his stupid kicking tee is one of my favorite NFL stories ever,” another said.
Justin Tucker being broken by Travis Kelce throwing his stupid kicking tee is one of my favorite NFL stories ever.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) November 17, 2024
This game was the first in his career — and Ravens history — that Tucker missed two field goals in the first quarter. John Harbaugh and his men have six games left in the season. Tucker’s current six misses are just one shy of his career-high of seven in 2015, a number he seems likely to surpass if his form continues.
However, the Ravens head coach remains optimistic, previously attributing Tucker’s woes to a “technique issue” that can be corrected.
The Ravens are chasing a Super Bowl, and Tucker’s performance in such clutch moments could make or break their postseason dreams. The team has a bye next week, giving Tucker some valuable time to refocus and silence doubters. Can the legendary kicker rebound, or is this truly the end of an era?