For years and years, the Baltimore Ravens had a historic cheat code in the form of kicker Justin Tucker, who was the best kicker in NFL history entering this season.
However, Tucker has fallen off in a huge way during the 2024 campaign, which has led to questions about whether Baltimore should consider replacing the once almost infallible special teams star.
Things went from bad to worse for Tucker and the Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 1, against the Philadelphia Eagles. By the end of the third quarter, Tucker had already produced the worst outing of his entire career amid the worst season he’s ever had.
“Justin Tucker has now missed two FGs and an extra point today. It’s the first time ever he’s missed 3 kicks in a game,” Fox Sports NFL posted to its X account. “The Ravens trail the Eagles, 14-12.”
Tucker entered Sunday’s game 17-of-23 on field goal tries and 41-of-42 on extra point tries.
After going 2-of-4 on field goals and 0-of-1 on extra points through three quarters against the Eagles, Tucker’s field goal numbers have dipped to 19-of-27 and his extra point tally dropped to 41-of-43.
Social media predictably went hard at Tucker, including both fans in general and established media outlets.
Barstool Sports tagged Tucker in a post that read: “When you find out your goat washed 💔💔💔.”
“Justin Tucker’s now missed as many or more kicks today than he missed in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, or 2021,” Bill Barnwell of ESPN posted.
Several fans made references to the violent ends of classic novels “Old Yeller” and “Of Mice and Men” while drawing metaphors to the Ravens and Tucker’s career as their kicker. Readers can use their own imaginations and/or do their own research for further explanation.
But while many were questioning Tucker or criticizing him or having fun at his expense, Dallas Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons went the opposite route and defended Tucker against his doubters.
“Justin Tucker has been Superman his whole career!!” Parsons wrote on X. “A reminder he’s still human!!! This don’t define him! He still will be great and bounce back!”
