A Long for the Linc
In the Cold Of December and January Football — It’s One of the Most Crucial Positions.
PHOTO: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK
Last Saturday afternoon at the Linc, Jake Elliot’s record was broken. It wasn’t from a replacement Eagles kicker or from a visiting NFL team. Rather, it was from Temple kicker Maddux Trujillo against Utah State.
It is the longest field goal in Lincoln Financial Field’s and Temple’s twenty-year histories.
In the cold of December — the kicker is never more important. NFC Playoff battles and late-season matches that often come down to the last possession — often the last kick — determine the outcome of an all-too-crucial contest.
Fortunately, when it comes to kickers — the Eagles have one of the best in Jake Elliott.
Elliot — who had been drafted with the 153rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, had been waived by the Bengals and had only joined the Eagles for two weeks before tying a franchise record with a 61-yard field goal to beat the New York Giants in regulation — the longest ever by an NFL rookie. In week 2 of the 2023 season, Eliott matched his record with another 61-yard field goal against the Minnesota Vikings right before halftime. This year, Elliott signed a four-year extension for $24 Million.
Not every year is for an NFL kicker — ask the Baltimore Ravens Justin Tucker — who missed a PAT and two field goals last Sunday against the Eagles. And even Jake Elliot, who missed a PAT and two field goals in the Eagles’ Week 10 win against Washington. Tucker holds the NFL record for the longest field goal in NFL history — a 66-yarder.
Kicking—like football itself—is based upon momentum and confidence.
For these December games, however, it could be the narrow difference between a loss and a win.
PHOTO: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK
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Categorized:College Eagles National