Eagles Coach Addresses Concerning Kicking Situation Going Into Week 15
By Cem Yolbulan
The Philadelphia Eagles won their ninth straight game on Sunday to improve to 11-2 for the season. Even though the Birds have been looking like true Super Bowl contenders over the last two months of the season, it certainly doesn't feel like it. The brewing locker room drama between Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown and the worsening kicker situation have raised alarm bells for Eagles fans.
After missing a 52-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14, Jake Elliott is now for 0/5 in field goals over 50 yards for the season. After being one of the most accurate specialists in the league over the last three seasons (15/17 since 2021 prior to this year), Elliott has seemingly lost his touch on long-distance attempts.
The coaching staff, however, doesn't seem too concerned. First, head coach Nick Sirianni came to Elliott's defense earlier in the week, underlining his confidence in the veteran kicker. On Tuesday, special teams coordinator Michael Clay played down the kicking concern. Per PHLY's Zach Berman, the 33-year-old coach said that the issue was a team effort rather than Elliott's fault.
Eagles Coach Defends Jake Elliott Amidst Kicking Struggles
Michael Clay on whether there's concern that Jake Elliott missed one kick to each side: "No, the direction of the wind obviously plays a big part in it. The one going to the left on the PAT, the guy was offsides. We’re talking about line of sight. You're not really paying…
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 10, 2024
Clay blamed the wind for Eliott's miss on Sunday and added that it was a team mistake. He took responsibility for not making sure that they were executing properly, from blocking to snapping.
"One, it starts with me as the coordinator to make sure that I reiterate to the guys we have to be perfect in the operation. It goes down to our blocking on the field goal team, to the snap, to the hold."
- Eagles STC Michael Clay
After having over 90% accuracy in two of his last three seasons, Elliott is down to 75% on his field goal attempts this year. Considering how kicking can swing close games, this could potentially be an issue in the playoffs, especially if it continues to affect Sirianni's playcalling late in the game. Let's hope Elliott and Clay find a solution sooner than later.
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