Martin Gramatica Says ‘Stick With Struggling Justin Tucker’ Amid Ravens’ Playoff Chase

Baltimore Ravens‘ Justin Tucker, broadly considered essentially the most constant kicker within the historical past of the NFL, has had an sudden season the place he struggled so much.

However, legendary kicker Martin Gramatica says there isn’t any trigger for alarm. Tucker has struggled with uncharacteristic inconsistency, however Gramatica believes the Ravens ought to preserve their franchise kicker because the group enters the ultimate stretch of the season.

Tucker’s Struggling Season: What’s Going on?

It is the primary time in years Justin Tucker has skilled what looks like a droop. According to TMZ Sports, the 35-year-old kicker has made solely 19 of 27 subject purpose makes an attempt and missed two additional factors this season. He had a tricky sport towards the Eagles the place three missed subject objectives arguably price Baltimore a vital win.

Inconsistencies like these are astonishing coming from a participant with the résumé of Tucker. Once famend for being almost flawless after which good in high-pressure conditions, Tucker has been the stalwart of the Ravens for fairly a while.

Martin Gramatica on Tucker’s Slump

In an interview with TMZ Sports, former NFL kicker Martin Gramatica believes in Tucker. He doesn’t assume that the droop Tucker is dealing with is psychological however slightly bodily.

“He’s mentally one of the strongest, toughest guys I’ve ever watched play in the NFL,” Gramatica defined. “So, I don’t think it’s a mental thing.”

Gramatica mentioned that Tucker’s mechanics may merely be off for a time period, which is a standard downside for even the perfect kickers.

“He’s going to snap out of it. There’s no question that he knows how to kick. He’s done it forever.”

The Right Call: Stick with Tucker

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh instructed NBC Sports that he needs to maintain Tucker because the group’s kicker. Gramatica thinks this can be a good determination. Replacing a kicker of Tucker’s caliber, particularly throughout a playoff push, may do extra hurt than good.

Tucker’s knack for recovering from adversity is one other attribute by way of which the Ravens may really feel assured in him. According to Gramatica, such adversity not often befalls a participant of his stature, and certainly, he may quickly overcome his present setbacks.

The Ravens are on bye this week, and that helps Tucker so much in refreshing himself and fine-tuning his mechanics. The group returns on December 15 towards the Giants, and Tucker will get a good chance to get again into rhythm.

Why Justin Tucker Is Still the NFL’s Best Kicker

Even with all of the struggles of this yr, Tucker’s legacy stands among the many biggest kickers. His clutch performances, unmatched consistency, and psychological toughness are just a few qualities that set him aside.

A tough patch doesn’t outline a profession, and as Gramatica has mentioned, he has all of the instruments to get again on monitor when it actually issues.

For the Ravens, believing in Tucker might be the distinction between successful and shedding within the postseason. Players of his caliber don’t remain down for lengthy.