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Automotive and Transportation
Source : (remove) : The Journal Times
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Automotive and Transportation
Source : (remove) : The Journal Times
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Ravens Using Unique Tool in Kicking Competition

Baltimore Ravens Employ Cutting-Edge Technology in Intense Kicking Competition

In the high-stakes world of NFL special teams, where precision and consistency can make or break a season, the Baltimore Ravens are turning to innovative technology to refine their kicking game. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, a fascinating competition has unfolded between legendary kicker Justin Tucker and undrafted rookie challenger Jake Verity. To ensure an objective evaluation, the Ravens have introduced a unique tool borrowed from the world of golf: the TrackMan radar system. This device, typically used to analyze golf swings and ball trajectories, is now providing data-driven insights into field goal attempts, potentially revolutionizing how teams assess kicking talent.

Justin Tucker, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, has been a cornerstone of the Ravens' success since joining the team in 2012. His resume is nothing short of extraordinary—boasting a career field goal percentage that hovers around 90%, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl ring from the 2012 season. Tucker's leg strength and accuracy have produced some of the most memorable moments in recent football history, including a record-breaking 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in 2021. Yet, even with such a proven star, the Ravens' coaching staff, led by head coach John Harbaugh, recognizes the value of competition and depth. Enter Jake Verity, a former East Carolina standout who went undrafted but impressed scouts with his powerful boot and poise under pressure. Verity's college career was marked by consistent long-range kicking, and his signing represents the Ravens' commitment to fostering talent that could either push Tucker or serve as a reliable backup.

The decision to incorporate TrackMan into this kicking duel stems from a desire for precision beyond what the naked eye or traditional scouting can offer. TrackMan is a Doppler radar-based system that captures a wealth of metrics on ball flight. In golf, it's used to measure clubhead speed, ball spin rate, launch angle, carry distance, and more, helping players fine-tune their swings. Adapted for football, the device is positioned behind the kicker to track similar variables during field goal and punt attempts. For instance, it can quantify the ball's velocity off the foot, its apex height, hang time, and even the subtle spin that affects trajectory and accuracy. This level of detail allows coaches to dissect each kick with scientific rigor, identifying strengths and weaknesses that might not be apparent in live practice.

Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton has been vocal about the benefits of this technology. "We're always looking for ways to get an edge," Horton explained in a recent team briefing. "TrackMan gives us objective data that takes the guesswork out of evaluations. With Justin, we already know he's elite, but seeing the numbers side by side with a young guy like Jake helps us understand how to develop both players." Indeed, the tool has revealed intriguing comparisons. Tucker's kicks often exhibit optimal launch angles—typically between 40 and 50 degrees for maximum distance and accuracy—coupled with ball speeds exceeding 100 mph. Verity, while slightly less refined, has shown promising hang times on punts and field goals, suggesting he could contribute in multiple roles if needed.

This isn't the first time the Ravens have embraced innovation in special teams. Under Harbaugh, a former special teams coach himself, the team has a history of prioritizing this often-overlooked phase of the game. From creative fake punt plays to meticulous preparation for weather conditions, Baltimore's approach has yielded dividends, including strong playoff performances driven by reliable kicking. The introduction of TrackMan aligns with a broader NFL trend toward analytics and technology. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have experimented with similar tools, but the Ravens' application in a direct kicking competition sets a new precedent. It's a nod to how data analytics, once confined to offensive and defensive schemes, is infiltrating every corner of the sport.

Beyond the immediate competition, TrackMan's use raises questions about the future of player development in football. Traditional kicking evaluations rely heavily on subjective observations: Does the ball sail through the uprights? How does it handle wind? But with radar technology, coaches can quantify intangibles. For example, spin rate can indicate how well a kick holds up against crosswinds, while apex height might predict success on longer attempts. This could be particularly valuable for undrafted prospects like Verity, who lack the pedigree of high draft picks but can prove their worth through hard data. "It's like having a swing coach for your leg," one Ravens assistant noted. "We can break down the mechanics and make real-time adjustments."

Of course, technology alone doesn't win games. Tucker himself has downplayed the gadgetry, emphasizing the mental and physical grind of the position. "Kicking is as much art as science," Tucker said in a post-practice interview. "The numbers are cool, but at the end of the day, it's about performing when the lights are on." His perspective underscores a key point: while TrackMan provides insights, it can't replicate the pressure of a game-winning kick in front of 70,000 fans. Verity, eager to learn from the master, has embraced the tool as a learning opportunity. "Seeing my metrics next to Justin's is motivating," Verity shared. "It shows me exactly where I need to improve to compete at this level."

The kicking competition has added an extra layer of intrigue to the Ravens' training camp. As practices intensify, the team is simulating various scenarios—wet weather, high winds, and fatigue—to test both kickers under duress. TrackMan data from these sessions is being compiled into detailed reports, informing decisions on roster spots and practice reps. If Verity performs well, he could earn a spot on the practice squad or even challenge for more significant roles, especially considering the injury risks inherent in the position. Tucker, at 33, remains the unquestioned starter, but the Ravens' investment in technology signals a proactive approach to maintaining excellence.

Looking ahead, this experiment could influence how other NFL teams approach special teams. Imagine a league where every kick is analyzed with the precision of a golf pro's drive. It might lead to more efficient training regimens, reduced injury risks through biomechanical feedback, and even scouting revolutions where combine drills incorporate radar metrics. For the Ravens, though, the focus remains on the present. With Super Bowl aspirations, a reliable kicking game is non-negotiable. By blending Tucker's proven artistry with Verity's raw potential and TrackMan's scientific edge, Baltimore is positioning itself as a forward-thinking franchise.

The broader implications extend to player safety and performance longevity. Kickers, often isolated in their roles, can benefit from data that highlights inefficient techniques that might lead to strains or overuse injuries. TrackMan could help optimize training loads, ensuring players like Tucker maintain their elite form well into their careers. Moreover, this technology democratizes evaluation, giving under-the-radar talents like Verity a fair shot based on merit rather than hype.

As the preseason approaches, all eyes will be on how this competition unfolds. Will TrackMan uncover hidden gems in Verity's game, or reaffirm Tucker's dominance? Either way, the Ravens' embrace of innovation highlights a team unwilling to rest on laurels. In an era where every advantage counts, tools like TrackMan could become as commonplace as playbooks, transforming the art of kicking into a data-driven science. For fans and analysts alike, it's a reminder that even in the traditional realm of football, technology is kicking down doors to new possibilities.

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Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/baltimore-ravens-unique-tool-kicking-competition ]