The move to keep Justin Tucker over Billy Cundiff is looking better every minute, and coach John Harbaugh was very happy with how the rookie kicker fared Sundays loss to the Eagles.
Tucker made three long field goals kicks of 56, 51 and 48 yards that were crucial in helping the Ravens stay in front for much of the middle part of the game and nearly let them pull out the win.
But Harbaugh said now its time to look forward. The Ravens need to think about beating the New England Patriots next Sunday night in Baltimore in a nationally televised game.
Justin was great. He did a great job, but next week is a new week, so we will hold his feet to the fire, continue to do that, Harbaugh said. The thing I like about him is hes workmanlike. He really pays attention to detail, technique.
All of that work paid off Sunday. Tucker crushed a 56-yard field goal at the end of the first half that looked like it would have been good for 66 yards. His other long kicks were the same, good with plenty of room to spare.
A good kicker who can hit from long distance is gold in the NFL, especially with so many games being so close for good teams. Its a safe bet that the Ravens are going to need more of the same from Tucker in their other tough games this season.
He cant be expected to make every long kick, but Tuckers shown some real poise in his first few NFL games. He showed it throughout training camp, beating out an experienced veteran and keeps displaying that poise in his first two regular-season games.
Its never too big for him, so hes off to a good start, Harbaugh said. In this league, there are always challenges.