Jake Elliott wasn't himself but it didn't matter as Eagles ride the wave to victory vs Commanders
Heading into Week 11, Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had not missed two field goals in a game since 2019. But that changed on Thursday night when Elliott missed not only two but three total kicks against the Washington Commanders in primetime. Elliott was 2 of 4 on field goal attempts and 2 of 3 […]
Heading into Week 11, Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had not missed two field goals in a game since 2019.
But that changed on Thursday night when Elliott missed not only two but three total kicks against the Washington Commanders in primetime.
Elliott was 2 of 4 on field goal attempts and 2 of 3 on extra points. His first missed FG was from 44 yards out on the opening drive and the next one came from 51 yards out in the second quarter.
However, thanks to Eliott's teammates covering up his mistakes with incredible plays, the Eagles were able to come up with a 26-18 win over Washington at home.
Elliott told reporters after the game that he was "thankful" his teammates "bailed" him out, "despite everything he put them through."
It wasn't just one or two, but many Eagles players that came together and made up for what Elliott left on the field.
Running back Saquon Barkley continued to prove his MVP case as he rushed 26 times for 146 yards and two scores. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was evaluated for a head injury, completed 18 of 28 passes for 221 yards.
Tight end Grant Calcaterra recovered tight end Dallas Goedert's 31-yard reception turned fumble in the fourth quarter for the big play of the game. And then safety Reed Blankenship followed it up by intercepting Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels with under five minutes left to go in the game.
"First, Dallas has got to do a better job of protecting the football. He swung the football there and we'll get that corrected. Dallas was bummed about that, but good things happen when you get to the football," Sirianni said after the game. "We talk about that on defense. We talk about that on offense. When you're hustling to the football. When you're getting to the football. When you're playing with relentless effort, good things happen. And I think we've made a big emphasis on after the catch, who can you flip and find to just be able to spring that more. And so that was just effort by Grant of trying to set his teammate off to get a big gain.
"… Again, good things happen when you get to the ball. Dallas will get all of the yards for that but Grant made a huge play right there. … It takes everybody."
Linebackers Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun also each had eight tackles after linebacker coach Bobby King showed them surfing videos all week and told them to "catch the waves." Blankenship and defensive tackle Jalen Carter road the waves as well and chipped in four more tackles.
Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell absolutely shut down Washington star wide reviewer Terry McLaurin, allowing not a single target on 20 routes.
It wasn't a perfect win, but it was an overall team effort victory and one that now puts them more than one game ahead of Washington in the NFC East.
Eagles LB Zack Baun continues to prove exactly why he was Philly’s best offseason signing
He deserves an extension.
