The Baltimore Ravens faced a stunning defeat in Week 11, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game defined by special teams.
Despite being favored to win, the Ravens came up short, largely due to two missed field goals by Justin Tucker. Known as one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history, Tucker’s uncharacteristic performance raised eyebrows and fueled questions about the Ravens’ path forward.
Tucker, who missed attempts from 47 and 50 yards, addressed his struggles head-on after the game. “I’m still confident I’m going to go out there and nail every single kick,” he said, speaking via the team’s website. “Part of the way we stay confident is by continuing to work and trust the process.”
The rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers has long been one of the most intense in the NFL. In this latest installment, Pittsburgh relied entirely on the leg of kicker Chris Boswell, who converted all six of his field goal attempts to secure an 18-16 victory. While the Steelers capitalized on their opportunities, Tucker’s two misses proved to be the difference, leaving the Ravens to contemplate what could have been.
For Tucker, the performance was an anomaly. The 34-year-old remains one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, a title he held definitively before the game. Still, the missed kicks were a rare blemish on an otherwise sterling career and a potential turning point in a tight AFC North race.
“Trusting the process and taking it one kick at a time—that’s what’s worked for me and what will continue to work,” Tucker added. His words reflect the resilience that has made him a cornerstone of Baltimore’s success over the years.
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Despite the frustration, Tucker’s teammates and coaches have stood by him. Head coach John Harbaugh recently reiterated his confidence in Tucker, calling him the team’s best option moving forward. For Harbaugh and the Ravens, there’s no question about the kicker’s talent or ability to bounce back.
Tucker’s struggles come amid a pivotal moment in Baltimore’s season. The Ravens are now 7-4 and chasing the Steelers in the AFC North standings. With a critical slate of games ahead, including matchups against the Chargers and Eagles, the team will need Tucker at his best to remain in playoff contention.
Beyond the immediate implications of the missed kicks, questions have emerged about Tucker’s long-term role. Signed to a four-year, $24 million extension in 2022, Tucker is the third-highest-paid kicker in the NFL. While his résumé speaks for itself, continued struggles could invite unwelcome scrutiny.
Before Week 11, Tucker’s reputation as the league’s most reliable kicker was virtually unassailable. His consistency over the years has been a critical component of Baltimore’s success. However, even the best face challenges, and how Tucker responds in the coming weeks will be closely watched.
The Ravens’ loss to the Steelers was a harsh reminder of the thin margins in the NFL. Every missed opportunity can have a ripple effect, especially in games as tightly contested as this one. For Tucker, the focus now shifts to preparation and execution as the Ravens look to rebound against the Chargers in Week 12.
Tucker’s confidence in himself mirrors the faith the organization has placed in him. While his performance against Pittsburgh was far from ideal, his track record suggests this is likely a temporary setback rather than a cause for long-term concern. As the Ravens push forward, they’ll rely on Tucker’s veteran poise to guide them through the challenges ahead.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, even legends face adversity. For Justin Tucker, this moment serves as both a test of resilience and an opportunity to remind the league why he’s still one of the game’s all-time greats.