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Jake Elliott Issues Apology to Eagles Fans After Costly Missed Field Goals, Reveals the Reason Behind His Long-Range Struggles

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott insists his recent struggles are not a mental issue, even as he works through the most difficult stretch of his career.

Elliott, once considered one of the most reliable long-distance kickers in the NFL, has now missed seven field goals over his last nine games. Still, he pushed back strongly against the idea that he is dealing with the yips following Saturday night’s win over Washington.

“No, honestly, not at all,” Elliott said after the game. “That’s kind of what’s frustrating about it. I don’t feel like that at all. I almost wish it was, because that would be easier to fix. This is something I have to really dive into, watch the film, and clean up. No one is harder on themselves than I am.”

The misses were noticeable again against the Commanders. Elliott failed on three attempts, two of which counted, including pulls from 52 and 43 yards. A 57-yard make was wiped out by a penalty, only adding to the frustration on what should have been a confidence-building night.

Despite the struggles, head coach Nick Sirianni made it clear there is no intention to bring in competition ahead of the playoffs.

“No,” Sirianni said Monday. “I have a lot of confidence in Jake. I love the roster the way it is. I know who he is, I know how he works, and I know he’ll bounce back from whatever setbacks he’s facing.”

Elliott’s track record gives the Eagles reason to stay patient. He will turn 31 in January, still well within the prime years for NFL kickers. After entering the league as an undrafted rookie, Elliott quickly built a reputation for clutch moments, including a game-winning 61-yard field goal against the Giants in 2017 that helped spark Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LII run.

He later set a franchise record with 31 made field goals from 50 yards or longer. Even during last season’s turbulence, Elliott steadied himself in the postseason, going 10-for-11 in the playoffs and drilling a 50-yarder in the Super Bowl.

Sirianni emphasized that perspective matters during moments like this.

“I think Jake always has a great process during the week,” Sirianni said. “It’s important for everyone to know they’re loved and appreciated, especially when things aren’t perfect. He’s had a career full of highs, and like any player, there are stretches of struggle. Every time I’ve seen him face that, he’s risen out of it.”

Near the end of the locker-room availability, Elliott addressed Eagles fans directly, offering an apology for the missed kicks and providing insight into what may be affecting his long-range accuracy.

“I owe our fans better, especially on those long attempts,” Elliott said. “I take full responsibility for the misses. The conditions haven’t been easy lately. The colder air, heavier balls late in games, and some inconsistencies in my plant foot timing have made those longer kicks tougher than usual. That’s not an excuse, but it’s something I’m working through.”

Elliott added that he remains confident the issues are correctable and believes the work he’s putting in will show when it matters most.

“I’ve been here before, and I know how to get out of it,” he said. “I’m locked in on fixing it, and I promise our fans I’ll be ready when we need it most.”

The Philadelphia Eagles once again left a strong imprint on the NFL’s biggest individual stage, as five players were named to the initial roster for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games. Among them, defensive tackle

Jalen Carter stood out not only as the team’s lone Pro Bowl starter, but also as a symbol of the defensive identity Philadelphia has built this season.

Carter was joined by linebacker

Zack Baun, defensive backs Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, along with center Cam Jurgens, giving the Eagles one of the strongest Pro Bowl representations in the NFC. Four of the five selections came on defense, reinforcing the unit’s role as the backbone of Philadelphia’s playoff push.

For Carter, the recognition carried added weight. Despite battling injuries and missing time this season, he still posted 32 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and two sacks in just 10 games, earning the respect of fans, players, and coaches across the league. More importantly, he earned the trust of the Eagles fanbase, which played a key role in the Pro Bowl voting process.

“This one means a lot,” Carter said after the announcement. “Eagles fans showed up for me and my teammates all season. When you feel that kind of belief every Sunday, it pushes you to play harder and represent this city the right way.”

The Pro Bowl nod also marked a milestone for DeJean and Mitchell, both first-time selections. Mitchell, the Eagles’ first-round pick, has already established himself as one of the NFL’s premier outside cornerbacks, allowing just a 41.3 percent completion rate in coverage this season. DeJean followed up a strong rookie year by becoming one of the league’s top nickel defenders, posting 84 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two interceptions through 15 games. Together, they became the first homegrown Eagles cornerback duo to reach the Pro Bowl since 2006.

Baun and Jurgens, meanwhile, earned their second consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Baun followed up his All-Pro campaign with 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions, while Jurgens continued the franchise’s long tradition of elite center play, paving the way for Saquon Barkley’s 1,000-yard rushing season.

As proud as the Eagles were of their five selections, the announcement also sparked frustration among fans. Several standout performers, including Jordan Davis, Lane Johnson, Moro Ojomo, and Jordan Mailata, were widely viewed as Pro Bowl-caliber players who were snubbed despite stellar seasons.

Still, Carter kept the focus on gratitude and unfinished business.

“This honor belongs to Philly just as much as it belongs to us,” he said. “We hear the fans, we feel the energy, and we’re locked in on what’s next.”

With postseason football ahead, the Pro Bowl recognition served as validation, not a destination. For the Eagles, the message was clear: the job isn’t finished yet.

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