Justin Tucker showed why he is GOAT kicker in Ravens’ win over Bengals – USA TODAY

BALTIMORE — Even Justin Tucker knocks on wood. 

Reminded that he has converted 61 – sixty. one. – consecutive field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime, the Baltimore Ravens kicker pounded his knuckles into the mahogany podium he leaned against. 

“Man,” Tucker said not long after his 43-yard field goal as time expired lifted his team over the Cincinnati Bengals, 19-17, on Sunday Night Football. “That was awesome.” 

Must the greatest kicker who ever lived – let’s start calling him what he is – need superstition on his side? It probably can’t hurt. His opponents would argue that he doesn’t need any help. 

The consistency, the accuracy and the power are all reasons why Tucker has asserted himself as the league’s kicking GOAT in his 10-year career. The ease with which he kicks, however, is the true hallmark of his greatness. 

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And anybody who watches the NFL on a weekly basis knows kicking is volatile, especially in the high-leverage situations Tucker and the Ravens consistently find themselves in. 

“He is human. We’re all human. People make mistakes. It’s natural,” Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell said. “But as soon as I saw him lining up, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re good.’ The guy is clutch. That’s what he does. He’s done it time and time again. But you can never take it for granted. You have to always appreciate each moment. What a legend.” 

Dating back to Week 11 of last season, Tucker has made 27 consecutive field goals and hasn’t missed an attempt in the second half in 75 tries – a NFL record he keeps building on. 

Tucker opened the scoring with a 37-yard field goal in the first quarter. With 10:49 to go in the third quarter, the Texas Longhorns product delivered a highlight-reel, 58-yard missile that effortlessly sailed through the clear, windless night for three more points. 

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The choice to send Tucker out for that kick, coach John Harbaugh said, was tougher than it would seem, even for a kicker of Tucker’s caliber. In a defensive battle, Harbaugh didn’t want to risk setting the Bengals up at midfield compared to the option of punting and pinning them deep in their own end of the field. 

“That was not an easy choice,” Harbaugh said. “But in the end, the scale tipped towards Justin.” 

It was the 10th consecutive attempt from 50-plus yards that Tucker converted. He now has 52 career field goals from 50 yards or beyond, tying Jason Hanson for third most in NFL history behind Matt Prater (66) and Sebastian Janikowski (58). The heroics were just starting, though. 

On the first play following the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow tied the game and kicker Evan McPherson barely converted (Tucker would never) the extra point to give Cincinnati its first lead of the game.

Having Tucker on their sideline provided the Baltimore defense solace, knowing there was plenty of time left. 

“It gives you a nice little cushion,” Odafe Oweh told USA TODAY Sports.

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson methodically drove his team down the field, toeing the line between draining clock and moving close enough for a Tucker attempt. That’s another luxury of having a weapon like Tucker – the most urgent moments can be tempered by the assurance of not needing to advance all that far into opponent’s territory. 

Like his teammates, and everyone else in the world watching, Jackson had no doubt Tucker’s kick would be true. 

“I still prayed though,” Jackson said. “I really didn’t have any doubt though, because I thank God we’ve got Tuck on our side.” 

Tucker also prays as he lines up each kick.

“Not to ask for results,” Tucker said. “But to ask for peace.” 

Whatever happens in the 1.3 seconds between the ball being snapped and his right foot connecting with the pigskin has nothing to do with his emotions or his feelings, he said. 

“And to show gratitude just for being able to be in that moment and bring joy to millions of fans who love watching (the) Ravens win football games,” Tucker said. 

Ravens fans – and anyone who appreciates the art of place kicking – are grateful in return. 

Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.