For potentially the first time, with arguably the greatest kicker in NFL history on their side, the Baltimore Ravens were at a massive disadvantage in a low-scoring affair decided by field goals against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tucker missed two field goals, one from 47 yards and another from 50, in the Ravens’ 18-16 loss to the Steelers in Week 11, bringing his number of missed kicks this season to six with one missed extra point. On the other hand, Chris Boswell accounted for 18 of Pittsburgh’s points with six field goals. Tucker did make a 54-yard field goal in the game, but his two misses loomed large in a two-point loss that handed the Steelers sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
In a season with Super Bowl aspirations, led by the league’s best offense and a quarterback gunning for a third MVP trophy, it would be a shame for everything to come crumbling down at the foot of the previously always-reliable Tucker in January.
It is tough to say where Baltimore should go from here. On one hand, Tucker has missed crucial field goals in all four of the Ravens’ close losses this season. On the other hand, Tucker is the most excellent kicker of all time, with as much credit in the bank as one player could have. Cutting Tucker and bringing in another kicker from the street would be the worst way to end his legendary career in Baltimore, but not doing so runs the risk of potentially more costly misses leading to close losses.
The Ravens’ offense has been good enough to mask Tucker’s struggles, for the most part, this season, but as shown on Sunday when the unit could not get going, Tucker could not be counted on to bail them out as he has done countless times throughout his career.
