Can Jake Elliott Shake Off Struggles in Eagles Playoff Push?

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their wild card matchup against the Green Bay Packers, an unexpected concern looms over their playoff aspirations: the uncharacteristic struggles of veteran kicker Jake Elliott.

And Eagles fans are worried about trust.

Typically a model of consistency, Elliott has endured a puzzling decline this season, missing eight field goals – tying Roger Ruzek’s infamous 1992 campaign for the most misses by an Eagles kicker in over 30 years. Most alarming is Elliott’s inability to convert from long range, a hallmark of his early career. After hitting 70 percent of his 50+ yard attempts from 2017-2023, Elliott has connected on just one of seven attempts this season, a league-worst 14 percent success rate from that distance since 2006.

The issues have been particularly pronounced at Lincoln Financial Field, where Elliott’s 71 percent success rate is the lowest by an Eagles kicker since 1999. His six home misses this season surpass his total misses from the previous three years combined, raising concerns about his reliability as the playoffs begin.

Special Teams Coach Michael Clay, however, remains confident in his kicker. 

“Jake’s confidence is still very, very high in what he’s doing,” Clay assured reporters. “He’s been striking the ball well. It’s not like the ball has been fluttering or barely getting there.”

Elliott’s postseason history offers some reassurance. He is a perfect 16-for-16 in playoff field goal attempts, including two clutch fourth-quarter conversions in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory. But his recent struggles, such as a concerning miss from 39 yards in the regular-season finale against the Giants, have left many wondering whether his playoff magic will return in time.

Elliott’s performance could be the deciding factor in tight playoff games where every point counts for the Eagles. As Philadelphia takes the field Sunday, fans will hope their kicker can rediscover the consistency that once made him a postseason hero.