As a weapon in the special teams phase that fans have widely celebrated over the past decade, Jake Elliott struggled last season, suggesting his run as a reliable, dangerous high-stakes kicker might be coming to a close.
But the results from two weeks of regular-season action in 2026 show Elliott is back in the groove, as the veteran special teams weapon has rebounded resoundingly, posting a perfect field-goal percentage for a 2-0 Philadelphia team.
In yesterday's dramatic 24-20 road victory, Elliott blasted a 58-yard attempt through the uprights to extend the Philadelphia lead to 17-10. And while it was a big three points in a tight contest, in the bigger picture for this team and this special teams unit moving forward, it's even more valuable.
Jake Elliott is slowly coming back to his old form with Eagles after two games
Elliott, now two-for-two in the early season, faced a crossroads last season as his traditionally renowned accuracy didn't meet his own lofty standards. His 71.4% field-goal percentage in 2025 was the lowest it had been over the past six seasons, but the coaching staff has remained resolute in its confidence in Elliott, now off to a strong start in his 11th NFL season.
Back in May, before another training camp kicked off, special teams coach Michael Clay went to bat for his embattled kicker. The calls by some disgruntled fans for a change at the position were growing louder, but the coaches, led by the figure who oversees every aspect of the special teams unit, Clay, stood by their man.
"For Jake, 10 years in the NFL, 10 years to do it in Philadelphia, big kicks, it's hard to go against the confidence in that," Clay said.
And sure enough, as camp unfolded this summer, that confidence paid off once again. Elliott put together a string of outstanding practices, nailing kicks just like in years past, as the former pro bowler, who had made at least 83.9% of his field goals in six of seven seasons prior to 2024, was back to booming his attempts with peak precision.
As the team now sets its sights on Week 3's trip to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears, Elliott has remained on a heater that began over the summer. Per Brandon Lee Gowton, Elliott has now made 43-of-46 attempts spanning training camp, the preseason, and two weeks of regular season action.
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He's made some of the biggest kicks in franchise history, and he's a weapon when he's locked in and converting. The 2026 season is off to a strong start for Elliott, and that's a great thing for the new Philadelphia Eagles.
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