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‘There Will Be Plenty of Critical Kicking Situations’: Ravens’ X-Factor in 2025 Season Named

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 7:26 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 season with high expectations, built on a foundation of offensive firepower and a history of strong defensive play. Despite their talent, the team’s ability to succeed in critical moments, especially in close games, could hinge on their new rookie kicker, Tyler Loop.

Replacing legendary kicker Justin Tucker is no easy task, and Loop faces immense pressure to perform in a city that has grown accustomed to excellence in the kicking game. Tucker’s consistency often provided Baltimore with an edge in tight contests, and Loop will need to replicate that reliability. With the franchise’s history of one-score games, his role becomes even more crucial as the team looks to improve on a middling 5-5 record in such matchups last year.

Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) warms up prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Baltimore’s reliance on Loop is magnified by their challenging schedule. With six road games in the final 10 weeks and key matchups against top contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, every field goal attempt could shape their postseason destiny. The narrow margins that define their games demand a kicker who can deliver under pressure, particularly in high-stakes situations late in fourth quarters.

Baltimore’s offensive firepower led by Lamar Jackson should provide Loop with plenty of scoring opportunities. However, penalties and inconsistency have plagued the team in recent years, leaving them vulnerable in critical moments. Cleaning up those mistakes could ease the burden on their special teams and allow Loop to thrive.

NFL Analysis Names Baltimore Ravens’ X-Factor in 2025

Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) warms up during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Baltimore’s 2025 season may either fail or succeed based on Tyler Loop’s rookie campaign. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jamison Hensley for ESPN.

Ceiling: 13-4 | Floor: 8-9

Biggest X factor: Rookie kicker Tyler Loop

As if he didn’t face enough pressure in replacing Justin Tucker, Loop also could decide a lot of games based on recent history. Last season, Tucker was 9-of-16 (56.3%) in the Ravens’ five losses and was 13-of-14 (92.9%) in their 12 wins. Over the past five years, rookie kickers have made 82.8% of their field goal attempts (428 of 517). There will be plenty of critical kicking situations because quarterback Lamar Jackson keeps Baltimore in games and hasn’t lost a game decided by more than one score since 2023.

The Ravens’ defensive capabilities also play a role in setting Loop up for success, as the team aims to control field position and limit opponents’ scoring chances. A cohesive effort from all three phases will be necessary to maximize Loop’s impact.

Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) warms up during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

If Loop can rise to the occasion, he could become the X-factor the Ravens need to finally overcome their playoff struggles. His performance may ultimately determine whether Baltimore can reach its full potential in 2025.

Nov 15, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats kicker Tyler Loop (33) celebrates his school record kick of a 62 yard field goal during the second quarter against the Houston Cougars at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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