word article exploring why former Ravens kicker Matt Stover is confident Justin Tucker will bounce back, focusing on their shared experiences, the psychology of elite athletes, and Tucker’s track record.
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### Late for Work: Why Former Ravens Kicker Matt Stover Is Confident Justin Tucker Will Bounce Back
In the NFL, few positions face the pressure and scrutiny endured by kickers. Often, their performances swing games in critical moments, making them either the hero or the scapegoat. Justin Tucker, the Baltimore Ravens’ star kicker and arguably the greatest kicker in NFL history, has faced rare turbulence this season. With a handful of uncharacteristic misses, some fans have started to ask questions about Tucker’s consistency. However, if there’s anyone who understands the highs and lows of being a kicker in Baltimore, it’s Matt Stover, Tucker’s predecessor and a key figure in Ravens history.
Stover, one of the most reliable kickers of his era, recently spoke about Tucker’s struggles, expressing unwavering confidence that the All-Pro kicker will not only recover but continue to solidify his legacy as one of the NFL’s greats. Stover’s faith in Tucker is rooted in his own experiences, the unique mental toughness required by kickers, and Tucker’s unparalleled track record.
### **The Legacy of Matt Stover and Justin Tucker**
To understand why Stover’s words carry so much weight, it’s important to revisit his legacy. Stover was the Ravens’ kicker from their inception in 1996 through the 2008 season, bringing consistency to a team that often relied heavily on defense and special teams to win games. Over his 20-year NFL career, Stover converted 471 field goals, good for an 83.7% success rate, and became known for his poise under pressure.
When Stover left the Ravens after the 2008 season, it created a void at kicker that Justin Tucker filled in 2012. Tucker immediately established himself as a phenom, combining Stover’s consistency with unprecedented range. Tucker has made 90.9% of his career field goal attempts, including an NFL-record 66-yard game-winner in 2021. Yet even legends have their off moments, and Tucker’s recent struggles have sparked comparisons to the rough patches Stover experienced during his illustrious career.
### **Stover’s Perspective on Tucker’s Struggles**
During a recent interview, Stover acknowledged that even the best kickers have slumps, but he emphasized that these periods are often temporary. “Justin Tucker is human, just like the rest of us,” Stover said. “Kicking is one of the most mentally demanding jobs in sports. It’s not about if you’ll face adversity but how you’ll respond to it.”
Stover pointed out that Tucker’s struggles are magnified because of his high standards. “When you’re a kicker like Justin, people expect perfection,” Stover said. “But perfection isn’t realistic in a game where there are so many variables—snap, hold, weather, and even the mental game. What sets great kickers apart is how they handle those moments.”
### **The Mental Game of Kicking**
One of the key reasons Stover is confident in Tucker’s ability to bounce back is Tucker’s mental fortitude. Kicking in the NFL is as much about psychology as it is about mechanics. Kickers often perform in high-pressure situations, where a single miss can overshadow an otherwise stellar season.
Stover, who endured his share of misses during his career, understands the toll that failure can take on a kicker’s confidence. However, he believes Tucker possesses the mental toughness to overcome this rough patch. “Justin has shown time and again that he can handle pressure,” Stover said. “You don’t make a 66-yard field goal in a game without being incredibly mentally tough.”
Stover also noted that slumps often provide an opportunity for growth. “Sometimes, missing a few kicks can actually make you better,” he explained. “It forces you to evaluate your technique, refocus your mindset, and come back stronger. I’ve seen Justin do this before, and I have no doubt he’ll do it again.”
### **Tucker’s Track Record Speaks for Itself**
Another reason for Stover’s confidence in Tucker is his unparalleled track record. Despite his recent struggles, Tucker remains the most accurate kicker in NFL history. He has converted 370 of 407 career field goal attempts and is perfect on extra points since the NFL moved the kick back to the 15-yard line in 2015.
Tucker’s consistency extends beyond the regular season. In the playoffs, where the stakes are even higher, Tucker has made 91.7% of his field goals, including several game-winners. His ability to deliver in clutch moments has earned him the nickname “Legatron” and the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans.
“It’s easy to get caught up in a bad stretch, but Justin’s body of work speaks volumes,” Stover said. “He’s the best kicker in the game for a reason. This is just a blip on the radar.”
### **The Role of the Ravens’ Special Teams Unit**
Stover also highlighted the importance of the Ravens’ special teams unit in helping Tucker regain his form. Kicking is a team effort, requiring precise execution from the long snapper, holder, and kicker. Any disruption in timing or technique can affect the outcome of a kick.
“Tucker has one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL in Chris Horton,” Stover said. “The Ravens have always placed a premium on special teams, and I know they’ll do everything they can to help Justin get back on track.”
Stover also praised Tucker’s work ethic and attention to detail. “Justin is a perfectionist, which is why he’s been so successful,” Stover said. “He’s going to put in the work to fix whatever needs to be fixed. That’s what great kickers do.”
### **The Pressure of Being the Best**
One of the unique challenges Tucker faces is the pressure of living up to his own lofty standards. As the most accurate kicker in NFL history, Tucker is often held to an impossible standard of perfection. While this level of expectation can be motivating, it can also be a source of added pressure.
Stover, who experienced similar pressure during his career, offered advice for Tucker. “You can’t let the weight of expectations get to you,” he said. “You have to focus on the process, not the outcome. Trust your technique, trust your preparation, and trust your team. That’s how you bounce back.”
### **Lessons from Stover’s Career**
Stover’s own career is a testament to resilience. Despite being one of the most consistent kickers of his era, he had moments where he struggled. In 2001, for example, Stover missed several key kicks during the regular season, leading some to question his reliability. However, he bounced back in the playoffs, helping the Ravens win their first Super Bowl.
“I’ve been where Justin is,” Stover said. “I know what it’s like to have people doubt you. But I also know what it’s like to prove them wrong. Justin has the talent, the work ethic, and the mindset to do the same.”
### **Looking Ahead**
As the Ravens continue their push for the playoffs, Tucker’s performance will be critical. While his recent struggles have been uncharacteristic, they are unlikely to define his season. With the support of his team, coaches, and mentors like Stover, Tucker is well-positioned to bounce back and remind everyone why he is considered the gold standard for NFL kickers.
“Justin Tucker is going to be fine,” Stover said. “He’s too good and too driven not to be. This is just a bump in the road. By the end of the season, I’m confident he’ll be back to doing what he does best—winning games for the Ravens.”
### **Conclusion**
The world of NFL kickers is one of high stakes and high pressure, where a single moment can define a season. For Justin Tucker, his recent struggles are a rare hiccup in an otherwise flawless career. But if there’s one person who understands what Tucker is going through, it’s Matt Stover.
As a former Ravens kicker and one of the most reliable players in NFL history, Stover knows that adversity is part of the job. His unwavering confidence in Tucker is a testament to Tucker’s talent, work ethic, and mental toughness. While the spotlight may be on Tucker now, his track record suggests that this rough patch will soon be a distant memory.
For Ravens fans, Stover’s message is clear: trust in Tucker. If history is any indication, the Ravens’ star kicker will be back to his best in no time, ready to deliver when it matters most. After all, legends aren’t defined by their struggles—they’re defined by how they overcome them.
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