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The Baltimore Ravens are always within the top ranks of the league in regards to special teams, and that is in large part because of the guy they have had at kicker for the last six years. Justin Tucker has become a living legend as much for his flamboyant persona as for his ability to bang balls through the uprights with room to spare from just about any position on the field. In Week 3, he received some well deserved recognition for his on-brand performance against the Denver Broncos:
Kicker @jtuck9 has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the eighth time in his career. pic.twitter.com/JsBx2a3lJv
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 26, 2018
The unusually outspoken kicker made sure the Broncos heard from him on Sunday, connecting on all three of his extra points and hitting two field goals, one of which was from 52 yards out. Interestingly enough, an uncharacteristic miss will show up on his stat sheet after Denver safety Justin Simmons blocked one of his attempts on what appeared to be an illegal leap over the line.
Regardless of that play, it is great to see Tucker again be honored for his proficiency as a kicker, an especially maligned position around the league this year. Kickers all across the league have had their fair share of struggles, while the flashy Tucker continues to flourish as the best the NFL has to offer between the hashes.
He was a surprise snub from the Pro Bowl in 2017, but hopefully he will be able to work his way back to that honor this season. Picking up an award like this one is certainly a good start towards doing so.