Eagles Now Must Worry About Starter Again Going Into Playoffs

Philadelphia kicker Jake Elliot's repeated issues create concern ahead of the postseason.
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni walks down the sidelines during the first half  against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni walks down the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Eagles are in a precarious position entering the postseason despite earning the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a home playoff game, as one key starter once again created doubt in his ability with a poor Week 18 performance.

Elliot made just 78.8% of his field goals entering Week 18, good for the 32nd-best mark in the NFL. Considering there are only 32 teams, it's safe to call this a disappointment for a player who was just named an All-Pro last year.

For his career, Elliot makes 85.1% of his field goals. With the margins growing slimmer in the playoffs, his recent struggles are a major concern to watch moving forward.

Eagles K Jake Elliot Misses Another FG in Week 18

That social media post isn't exactly accurate, as Elliot has made just one of his seven field goals from 50+ yards this year. Kickers have progressively gotten better over the years, so it's a massive disadvantage if you can't make one from beyond 50 yards.

Of course, he did hit hit from 32 and 24 yards out in Week 18 to help Philly get the win, but this just reinforces the fact Elliott is legitimately struggling from anywhere beyond the most easy of tries.

Elliot has a storied career in Philadelphia yet he is becoming a real problem that must be addressed. He took over kickoff duties again last week but after missing an easy 39-yard attempt against the Giants, perhaps he's better left fully focusing on his primary duty.

With Jalen Hurts dealing with the effects of a concussion and the postseason just one week away, the Eagles' special teams woes might be what sinks this promising season. It's unclear what kind of impact preventing Saquon Barkley from chasing the rushing record will have in the locker room, though it's quite clear what kind of impact frequently missing field goals has.

Unless Elliot turns things around in a hurry, Philadelphia might be in trouble. We've seen too many important games come down to a field goal to ignore the problem, so Elliot needs to get right in a hurry or he could be the reason the Eagles face an early exit.


More Philadelphia Eagles News:

feed