Justin Tucker: Ravens kicker is a star in the NFL

Justin Tucker solidified himself among the legends of Monday Night football with his 61-yard field goal that served as the go-ahead score in the Ravens 18-16 win over the Lions.

The kick barely squeezed inside the right upright, but it went in none the less. It was clutch, and that’s an understatement, but it wasn’t the only way Tucker helped his team on Monday night.

In fact, all 18 of the Ravens points came via the leg of their kicker. Tucker hit six field goals on six attempts. He single-handedly kept the Ravens in the game, and he single-handedly won it.

Really, the 61-yarder was just the cherry on top for Baltimore’s kicker. He already was having an incredible game without it.

It was an incredible game that honestly just added on to a terrific year.

For those not familiar with Tucker, his heroics last night are really just the tip of the iceberg in regard to how good he’s been this year. He’s hit 94.6 percent of his field goal attempts this season and is a perfect 25-of-25 on extra points. He’s scored 130 points for his Ravens team so far in 2013, and after watching him last night, I highly doubt he’s done.

Tucker has nailed six field goals from 50-plus yards in 2013 and of course, he now has the long of 61-yards. He leads the NFL in field goals made, and is a perfect 9-of-9 from 20-29 yards, 10-of-10 from 30-39 yards, 10-of-11 from 40 to 49 yards and 6-of-7 from 50 plus.

Special teams, and especially kickers, don’t often get the recognition or respect they deserve, but it’s rather clear by looking at the numbers that Tucker is indeed a star in today’s NFL.

And yes, kickers can be stars. Just ask Adam Vinatieri.