NFL

John Harbaugh, Ravens may have found necessary gem to help Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to make a push for the Super Bowl. For that, John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson need all the help they can get. It seems like they've found an unlikely hero if push comes to shove.

Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on after the preseason game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.
© Scott Taetsch/Getty ImagesLamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on after the preseason game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL. However, there was a clear hole on the roster that John Harbaugh assembled for this year. It seems like Lamar Jackson and company don’t have to worry no more, because that hole is no longer an issue, according to the head coach.

For 13 years, the Ravens had arguably the best kicker of all time in Justin Tucker. However, the 5x All Pro and 7x Pro Bowler showed an abismal dip in production the last couple of years, but especially in 2024. To add salt to the wound, some extracurricular issues also surfaced, which forced Baltimore to cut Tucker. Tucker will serve a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL personal conduct policies.

Hence, the Ravens desperately needed a kicker. Enter Tyler Loop to the scene. “He’ll be the kicker,” John Harbaugh said after Saturday’s preseason win over the Cowboys. “He’s earned it.” Loop made 5/6 field goals attempts during the game, including ones from 51 and 53 yards.

Advertisement

Loop has big shoes to fill

Selected on the sixth-round of the NFL Draft, the rookie out of Arizona has to replace the best kicker of all time. During his five seasons as a Wildcat, Loop scored 126 out of 128 extra points. He also scored 67/80 field goal attempts, an 83.8% of success.

Place kicker Tyler Loop #33 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland

Place kicker Tyler Loop #33 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland

Advertisement

While Tucker’s career as a whole might be intimidating, Loop needs to improve what Tucker did last year to apeace the waters. Tucker only scored 73.3% of his field goal attempts last season, a career-low. He had his second-worst year from extra points attempts too.

John Harbaugh’s net worth: How much money does the Baltimore Ravens head coach have?

see also

The Ravens will put Loop in great spots

While Loop still has to go out there and deliver, this is a kicker-friendly offense. Meaning, this is a very tough unit to stop with Lamar Jackson under center, so he will spend most of his days kicking easy extra point attempts or short field goals.

Advertisement

For instance, the Ravens attempted 30 field goals last season, and 19 of them were less than 50 yards. Conversely, the team scored so much that it attempted 62 extra points, more than double the field goal attempts.

ALSO READ
John Harbaugh eyes former Super Bowl winning coach to fix the NY Giants’ defense in 2026
NFL

John Harbaugh eyes former Super Bowl winning coach to fix the NY Giants’ defense in 2026

Jaxson Dart sets clears expectations on the Giants after the hire of John Harbaugh
NFL

Jaxson Dart sets clears expectations on the Giants after the hire of John Harbaugh

Andy Reid sends clear message about leaving Super Bowl contender for Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs
NFL

Andy Reid sends clear message about leaving Super Bowl contender for Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs

Jaxson Dart receives clear update on his future with the NY Giants from new HC John Harbaugh
NFL

Jaxson Dart receives clear update on his future with the NY Giants from new HC John Harbaugh

Better Collective Logo