Justin Tucker Is the Right Choice for Ravens, Says Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica’s Insights on Justin Tucker’s Future
Why the Ravens Should Continue Trusting Their Star Kicker
Understanding Tucker’s Challenges: ‘The Tom Brady Of Kicking’
TMZSports.com
Martin Gramatica has made a bold statement regarding the Baltimore Ravens’ special teams strategy, emphasizing that he would absolutely maintain Justin Tucker in his role as the kicker, regardless of the recent challenges Tucker has faced. Gramatica, a legendary figure in the kicking game, firmly believes that Tucker’s current struggles are merely a temporary setback and that he possesses the skill and experience necessary to navigate this difficult period. He is optimistic that Tucker will regain his form just in time for the Ravens’ crucial playoff push.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Gramatica expressed his confidence in Tucker’s abilities, stating, “He’s going to snap out of it.” He underlined that there is no doubt about Tucker’s kicking proficiency, given his long-standing track record of success in the NFL. Gramatica’s faith in Tucker underscores the kicker’s resilience and experience, which he has demonstrated throughout his career.
Tucker, who is typically recognized as one of the most reliable kickers in the league, has encountered a challenging season, having successfully completed only 19 out of 27 field goal attempts so far. Additionally, his unusual two missed extra points have raised concerns, especially considering that the three key misses against the Eagles may have significantly impacted the team’s chances for a victory. This inconsistency is uncharacteristic for Tucker, whose previous performance had been exemplary over the years.
Despite these difficulties, John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, has publicly stated his intention to continue supporting Tucker as the team’s kicker for the foreseeable future. Gramatica wholeheartedly agrees with this decision, asserting that it is the correct approach. He believes that the Ravens should allow Tucker the opportunity to work through his current issues without any pressure of replacement.
Gramatica drew a compelling analogy, stating, “It would be like telling Tom Brady, ‘Look, you’re struggling now for a season.’ You can’t bench him or find someone else. He’s the Tom Brady of kicking. You have to let him work through it.” This comparison highlights the importance of patience and trust in proven talent, especially during challenging times. Gramatica’s perspective emphasizes that great athletes need the space to overcome their hurdles and return to peak performance.
Regarding the potential causes of Tucker’s recent struggles, Gramatica speculated that it might be a temporary physical issue that has disrupted his kicking mechanics. He emphasized that Tucker is one of the mentally strongest players he has witnessed in the NFL, asserting that his struggles are not a reflection of mental weakness. This insight is crucial, as it suggests that with the right adjustments, Tucker is likely to regain his consistency and effectiveness on the field.
While Tucker has a brief respite to regroup, as the Ravens are currently on a bye week, he will soon have the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities again. Baltimore’s next game is scheduled for December 15 against the Giants, and all eyes will be on Tucker as he looks to make a strong comeback. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can shake off the recent inconsistencies and return to his status as one of the league’s premier kickers.