Jake Elliott Pushes Back on ‘Mental’ Narrative as Eagles Kicking Issues Persist

The Eagles clinched the NFC East on Saturday night, but the win did little to quiet concerns around Jake Elliott. Philadelphia escaped Washington with a 29-18 victory in Week 16, yet their veteran kicker walked out frustrated. Missed field goals again became part of the story, keeping Elliott at the center of a postseason conversation he did not ask for.

Now Philly’s got two regular-season games left, and Elliott’s struggles now sit under a brighter spotlight. With January football approaching, the margin for error has vanished. Elliott knows the noise is growing, but he has also made it clear where he stands as questions swirl around his form and future.

Jake Elliott Rejects Mental Label as Eagles Weigh Kicking Reliability

The issue followed Elliott immediately after Saturday’s game in Landover, Maryland. Speaking to reporters on Dec. 20, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Elliott addressed the growing belief that his misses stem from confidence or mindset. He shut that down without hesitation.

He said, “No, honestly, not at all. That’s kind of what’s frustrating about it; I don’t feel that way at all. I kind of wish it were. Easier to fix.”

#Eagles K Jake Elliott on whether his recent struggles are mental: “No, honestly, not at all. That’s kind of what’s frustrating about is I don’t feel that way at all. I kind of wish it was. Easier to fix.” Elliott asked if he worries about the team exploring other options, says… pic.twitter.com/dNgUj5auRy

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 21, 2025

The remarks followed Elliott’s three unsuccessful kicks versus Washington, though a penalty erased one. Officially, he went zero on two tries, missing a 52-yarder right before halftime that might’ve leveled the score. Earlier in the second quarter, he pulled a 43-yard kick left, an uncommon error from under fifty.

Elliott stepped into Week 16 sitting at 33rd across the NFL in field goal accuracy: just 77.3 percent, per Bleacher Report’s citation of league stats from December 21, 2025. By Saturday’s end, his ledger showed 17 made out of 24 attempts this season, slipping to 70.8 percent, a personal low. Over the past five outings, misses have piled up – he’s fallen short on five kicks – and one extra point slipped through untouched.

Despite the numbers, Elliott insists preparation has not been the issue. He said he struck the ball cleanly in warmups and felt confident in his plan. The breakdown, in his view, happens only once the game begins.

Questions about job security followed quickly. Elliott acknowledged the reality of the league when asked if the Eagles could explore other kicking options before the playoffs.

“I understand it’s a production-based business. You see it all the time. That’s out of my hands.”

Head coach Nick Sirianni stood by Elliott postgame, stressing how much faith he still carries in the kicker. Braden Mann, the holder, added his voice to that sentiment, highlighting past instances where Elliott came through when stakes ran highest.

That history matters. Elliott took over as Philadelphia’s kicker back in 2017. His foot decided outcomes during championship runs – especially those in 2017 and 2024 – where every kick mattered. Across six Super Bowl appearances, he nailed all nine attempts, never slipping once under the glare. The year before last showed cracks, sure; shaky finishes raised questions. Yet that stumble? Washed away by ice-cold accuracy when it counted most.

Now, Elliott faces another defining stretch. The Eagles wrap up their regular season facing the Bills, then the Commanders. How Elliott holds up during these final clashes might tip the balance – either he earns another shot at postseason grit in Philly, or the team starts eyeing someone more consistent. Stability could mean change.