Will The AFC Championship Be Determined By Another Field Goal? Ravens Kicker Justin Tucker Says He's Ready
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For many Ravens, this is the second straight appearance in the AFC Championship game, but that's not the case for Justin Tucker.
As Mary Bubala reports, the rookie kicker is ready to go if the game comes down to him.
Ravens rookie kicker Justin Tucker knows exactly what it feels like to beat the Patriots. He kicked a game-winning field goal back in September.
"If you don't want those moments in sports then you shouldn't be playing," Tucker said.
At 23, the Texas native--who grew up playing soccer--tells us he wouldn't mind if every game came down to that kind of moment.
Bubala: "What goes through your mind? You're walking out, you know you have to make this kick, you have to make this field goal to win the game. What do you think about?"
Tucker: "Yeah, I mean I've said this a thousand times and I sound like a broken record when I say it, but we just stick to our routine, stick to what we know."
What Tucker knows--along with the Ravens--is he can handle the pressure, scoring another clutch field goal in double overtime to beat Denver last Saturday.
Bubala: "The joy that you felt after last week's game, try to explain that to me, just that moment."
Tucker: "More than anything, just to be able to share it with so many cool people was I think the best part. Just seeing the faces of all our teammates and staff members on the sideline running out to the field just going crazy, so excited. That's what it's all about."
Bubala: "We all know what happened last year this time with the AFC Championship. Does that put extra pressure on you at all in any way? That that happened with a different kicker?"
Tucker: "Yeah, it's one of those things that you really just can't think about. This is a new year, this is a different team. Sure, it's a rematch in the AFC Championship game, but I think this team is different from the team last year, and the year before that, and before that."
Fans have faith in this kicker. So far, Tucker has given us a thrilling, nail-biting, heart-stopping season.
Bubala: "I can't watch, I go like this. Other people have to sit down. Some stand up."
Tucker: "Yeah, you and my mom."
Bubala: "Does she do that too?"
Tucker: "She used to. I think my dad has got her now to where she's watching because they have a feeling I am going to make it."
This season, Justin Tucker won the game for the Ravens with three game-winning kicks against the Patriots, Chargers and Broncos.
