Eagles’ Jake Elliott misses three FGs in half: Explaining Philly's special teams failures vs. Commanders

Daniel Mader

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Eagles’ Jake Elliott misses three FGs in half: Explaining Philly's special teams failures vs. Commanders image

Jake Elliott has been the kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles throughout the franchise’s recent golden era. Since 2017, when the team won its first Super Bowl, he has been one of the NFL’s most consistent kickers and a two-time champion.

However, Elliott’s time in Philadelphia could be approaching an end this offseason. Entering Week 16, he was already on pace for his lowest field-goal percentage since 2020 and the second-worst of his career — and he had a first half to forget against the Washington Commanders.

With the Eagles able to clinch the NFC East with a win, Elliott missed three first-half field goals. An opening-drive fumble also added to the defending champions’ special teams blunders.

Here’s a look at Elliott’s early struggles against Washington and the Eagles’ special teams mistakes.

MORE WEEK 16 NFL:

Eagles special teams mistakes vs, Commanders

From the jump in Saturday's NFC East showdown, Philadelphia's special teams unit looked rough. The Eagles offense was set to begin the game with the ball, receiving the opening kickoff. But then they forked the ball over before Jalen Hurts even took a snap.

Will Shipley lost the ball on the kickoff, and the Commanders pounced on it to take possession.

Later on, Shipley got another kickoff return opportunity, and he appeared indecisive in the end zone about whether he should return it or take the touchback. He awkwardly decided to run for it, but only picked up around 20 yards.

Jake Elliott's kicking struggles were even more prominent for the Eagles' special teams unit. His first missed field goal came early in the second quarter, as a 12-play Philadelphia drive was for naught when he went wide-left on a 43-yard attempt.

Just before halftime, the Eagles then had an opportunity to tie the game at 10 with a field goal. Elliott first lined up a 57-yarder, one yard shorter than his season-high of 58 yards, and missed it wide-left. 

However, the Eagles were bailed out, as the Commanders jumped offsides to make it an easier 52-yard attempt for Elliott before the break.

He also missed that attempt, his third miss of the half, as Fox play-by-play announcer Joe Davis called it a "three-peat" of misses.

Will the Eagles release Jake Elliott?

After his three misses against Washington, two of which counted, Elliott is now 17-for-24 on field-goal attempts this season. At 71%, that’s the lowest conversion rate of his career, behind his 73.7% mark on 19 attempts in 2020.

Elliott also struggled from long distance in 2024, going 1-for-7 on attempts of at least 50 yards. A change at kicker could be in the cards for the Eagles this offseason. It’s unlikely they move on from him now, with Philadelphia just weeks away from a likely playoff appearance and Elliott being one of the best kickers in franchise history, but his job security has certainly dropped.

He has missed four field goals in five games, and he’s being paid as one of the NFL’s top kickers. For those reasons, Philadelphia could consider moving on from him this offseason.

MORE: Will the Eagles fire Kevin Patullo?

Jake Elliott contract

In 2024, the Eagles signed Elliott to a four-year, $24 million contract. According to Spotrac, the deal runs through 2028, but the team would take a dead cap hit of $6,469,000 if it released Elliott in the upcoming offseason.

Elliott's current deal also makes him the second-highest-paid kicker in the NFL, trailing only Harrison Butker with his $6 million AAV, per Spotrac.

MORE: Updates on Commanders QB Marcus Mariota, who left game with hand injury

Jake Elliott career stats

While his 2025 season has been up-and-down, there's little doubt about Elliott's status in Eagles franchise history. He ranks third all-time in extra-points made and second in field-goals made. He's also a one-time Pro Bowler.

Here's a look at Elliott's full career numbers from 2017-25, every season being with Philadelphia.

GamesFGM-FGAFG%Longest FGXPM-XPAXP%Points
144213-25384.2%61353-36796.2%992

Who is the Eagles' special teams coach?

The Eagles' special teams coach is Michael Clay. He has held that position since 2021, now in his fifth season leading Philadelphia's special teams unit.

Michael Clay coaching history

After playing linebacker at Oregon and a brief stint with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2013, Clay began his coaching career.

Here's every role he's held as a coach.

  • Defensive quality control coach, Eagles, 2014
  • Assistant special teams coach, Eagles, 2015
  • Assistant special teams coach, 49ers, 2016
  • Assistant strength and conditioning coach, 49ers, 2017
  • Assistant special teams coach, 49ers, 2018-20
  • Special teams coordinator, Eagles, 2021-present
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