The first half between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders was defined by Jake Elliott’s missed field goals, which cost the Eagles at least six points and left the team trailing 10-7 at halftime against their division rival.
Amid the mistakes, all of them similar, patience with the kicker appears to be wearing thin, and the reactions to the veteran’s first-half performance reflect his recent struggles, especially on long-distance attempts.
Fans, Analysts React as Jake Elliott Misses 3 First-Half Field Goals
Life for any NFL kicker is defined by immense pressure to deliver results. As a unit that operates more independently from the rest of the roster, a team needs to know it can rely on the player to convert more than 90% of his kicks, especially shorter attempts, and with Elliott, that has not been the reality.
In the first half, he missed three kicks, one of which was wiped out by a penalty that kept the drive alive. Even so, he missed his second attempt on the same drive to end the first half, failing to at least tie the game for the Eagles. As a result, fans and analysts were outraged by the veteran’s performance.
Commentator and former player Emmanuel Acho weighed in: “I like Jake Elliot a LOT, A LOT. I don’t see him being an Eagle next year.” That sentiment has become common among Eagles fans, who once viewed Elliott as a reliable option, especially on long kicks, but over the past two years he is just 5-for-15 on attempts from beyond 50 yards.
I like Jake Elliot a LOT, A LOT.
I don’t see him being an Eagle next year.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 20, 2025
Josina Anderson shared a similar view, suggesting that if Elliott does not improve soon, this could be his final season with the team he helped win the Super Bowl last year. “Jake Elliott needs to hurry up & get his mind right before he’s taking the Acela back to Philly by himself,” the insider said.
Jake Elliott needs to hurry up & get his mind right before he’s taking the Acela back to Philly by himself.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 20, 2025
Fans have taken an even more drastic stance, calling for the kicker to be cut immediately, with some even suggesting his release at halftime of the game against the Commanders. “Jake Elliott gets cut in the locker room at halftime, right?” one fan wrote.
Jake Elliott gets cut in the locker room at halftime, right?
— Ben Griffitts (@RealBenG) December 20, 2025
Another fan suggested that Elliott should not attempt another kick in the game, something that has already happened this season. In Week 1, Kyle Shanahan revealed he was prepared to go for it on fourth down in the red zone while trailing by three points after multiple missed kicks by Jake Moody.
Cut Jake Elliott at half time. He can’t be allowed to attempt another kick.
— FrankieV UHND ☘️ (@FrankieV_UHND) December 20, 2025
Elliott reached halftime at 17 of 24 on field goal attempts this season, the worst success rate of his career. If this trend continues over the next few games, the franchise could look for a different option at the position next year.
