I would imagine that, for an NFL kicker, booting field goals in the the friendly confines of an indoor stadium is a dream come true.
There are no crosswinds to adjust to, no snow or frost-covered fields to wreak havoc on your footing, and no precipitation getting in your eyes. From the crucial “maroon zone” (the area between the opponent’s 20 and 40-yard line) head coaches can attempt longer field goals with confidence, rather than opt to punt and risk a touchback.
While opposing teams never like to see Justin Tucker trot onto the field from distance (except in the sense that it means they prevented a touchdown), it’s an even less welcome sight indoors. Tucker has been aces since joining the organization when it comes to splitting the uprights, particularly in stadiums that have roofs.
In just his third year, Tucker is a perfect 10-for-10 in three career games played inside. Those figures include a 2-of-2 output in the Ravens’ 20-13 loss in Indianapolis this year, another 2-2 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Super Bowl XLVII (19- and 38-yard FGs) and an incredible 6-of-6 performance on Monday Night Football at Detroit last season.
In that 18-16 Ravens’ victory over the Lions, the former Texas Longhorn became the first NFL kicker ever to connect from the 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+ & 60-yard ranges in a single contest.
Two of the Ravens’ crucial final six games will be played indoors, beginning this Monday night against the Saints.
“There are so many emotions – all positive, like pride, legacy and love,” the 2013 Pro-Bowl kicker stated when asked about his emotions returning to New Orleans. “That [2012] group that came through there for Super Bowl XLVII, as the saying goes, ‘We will walk together forever.
“That said, I’m still pretty early on in this ‘kicking footballs thing.’ The more of those experiences that I can be a part of, especially with such a great group like we have around here, the better.”
If the game is tight on Monday night, John Harbaugh will have no reservations about going to his young placekicker, no matter the distance – within reason, of course.
Could Tucker shock the Saints’ sideline like he did to the Lions‘?
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