Eagles’ Jake Elliott Rewarded for Special Day
PHILADELPHIA – For the second straight season, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles has won the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
Kicker Jake Elliott became the latest to do so, earning the honor when it was announced on Wednesday. Last year, Zech McPhearson took home the same award for his play against the Detroit Lions.
Elliott made four field goals in a 25-20 win over the New England Patriots on a rainy day at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
It is the fourth time Elliott has won the award and first time since Week 18 of 2022.
He made for field goals, covering 32, 48, 51, and 56 yards, and was the only kicker on opening weekend to make two field goals from 50-plus yards.
“You knew coming into this game that this was going to be a battle,” said Elliott following the game. “It’s the reputation the Patriots have coming into Week 1. It was a hard matchup. I love having all those opportunities. It was a little more interesting than we wanted it to be, but that is what I prepare for.”
Elliott scored 13 points in the kicking game and won the award despite missing a PAT.
“Early in the game when it was downpouring like that, it’s tough conditions and everything has to go just perfect,” he said about the missed PAT. “Those PATs are real kicks now, they are 33-yard field goals. When that stuff is coming down, it’s tough. I have to be better, we have to be better.”
He was good enough to win the NFC award.
“…Give a lot of credit to Jake Elliot,” said quarterback Jalen Hurts after the game. “I don't like him kicking. But you know, he showed up and he made big-time, big-time plays all night for us. That was huge. That was huge.”
The Eagles now have a quick turnaround between games and are getting ready to host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night in their home opener.