Justin Tucker Aims for Consistent Field Goals

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, renowned for his accuracy, faced a challenging season last year, converting only one of five field goal attempts. Despite this unusual performance, Tucker, entering his 13th season, remains focused on improvement. He emphasized the importance of taking each kick one at a time, noting that four of his misses were from over 50 yards, while the other was from 40-plus. With a career field goal percentage of 90.2, Tucker is determined to bounce back. This season brings new challenges for Tucker as he adapts to a revised kickoff rule. The change prohibits him from routinely kicking the ball out of the end zone for a touchback at the 25-yard line. Instead, there is now a designated landing zone between the 20 and the goal line, which requires strategic adjustments. Kicks that fall short of this zone will be spotted at the return team's 40-yard line, while kicks that land in the zone must be returned or downed, affecting field position significantly. Tucker likened the art of kicking to a golf swing, noting that while golfers use multiple clubs for different shots, he must now employ a broader range of techniques. "I have to mentally lock in and place the ball with that much more intention," he explained, highlighting the need for precision over sheer power in his kicking strategy. As the season approaches, Tucker's commitment to refining his skills and adapting to new rules will be crucial for the Ravens' success.