It’s hard to imagine the Baltimore Ravens being anything but one of the league’s most consistent, talented teams. From quality coaching to MVP-level quarterback play and a handful of defensive standouts, few teams are as dangerous year in and year out.
Part of that reputation lies in Baltimore’s special teams, which is consistently strong under special teams guru and head coach John Harbaugh – excelling here is in the Ravens’ DNA.
For over a decade, that’s been intertwined with kicker Justin Tucker’s prowess.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker
© Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
But 2024 has been the worst year of Tucker’s career, and one could argue it’s the biggest reason the Ravens are 8-5 instead of threatening for a top seed.
More than anything else, Tucker’s inconsistencies give Baltimore one less avenue to winning games. Lamar Jackson is elite; running back Derrick Henry has joined him in terrorizing teams. When those two aren’t enough, it falls upon the defense and special teams to hold up their ends of the bargain. Tucker leaving points off the board makes that difficult.
New York Giants special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial spoke about how his unit is preparing to face Tucker.
“A Hall of Famer that we have tremendous respect for,” Ghobrial said. “A guy that has kicked in this league so long, whatever type of season he views he’s having, he’s going to be able to understand what the fixes are and come out of that. They’re coached up extremely well. By (Baltimore Ravens Special Teams Coordinator) Chris Horton and Harbs.
“I think Tuck may not be ecstatic with the consistent production as of late, but he’s a guy that’s going to find a way to figure it out because he is a Hall of Famer, in my opinion. He’s one of the best kickers to ever do it. He’s kicked in all these stadiums. We got to make sure that, obviously, he feels us.”
Tucker has missed eight of his 29 attempts this year and two extra points, the former of which is tied for the most of his career, despite there being four games left.
What bodes well for Baltimore is that Tucker’s biggest misses have come in close games (albeit partly due to his struggles). Sunday’s action shouldn’t be close enough for Tucker to fumble. The Ravens are 16-point favorites, the Giants are starting quarterback Tommy DeVito after Drew Lock’s injury, and eight-game losing streaks generally don’t end against Super Bowl contenders.
Baltimore is certainly talented enough to run away with Week 15. But if New York keeps it close, all eyes will once again be on Tucker as he attempts to salvage his season.
