Jake Elliott dominates at homefield advantage in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field

Jake Elliott makes most of homefield advantage at the Linc originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jake Elliott described his 59-yard field goal to force overtime on Sunday as the toughest kick of his NFL career.

What gave him an edge? The home field advantage.

With 59 games under his belt at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles’ special teams coordinator Michael Clay explained the benefits. “There are certain keys in Lincoln Financial that will tell you what the wind is doing more than what the flags on the post are doing,” shared Clay. “So that’s kind of a home field advantage.”

Clay refused to share the specific wind-reading keys, but emphasized Elliott’s competence. Following the game, Elliott admitted that 59 yards was a bit beyond the range they were comfortable with.

But with 20 seconds left in overtime and facing a 4th-and-17 in the rain, the Eagles put their faith in Elliott and he delivered. “The range is usually when Coach (Nick) Sirianni says, ‘you think you can get it?’ and we have full confidence in Jake getting it done for the most part,” said Clay. “In that situation, things always change. Special teams is never black and white.”

Elliott is now an incredible 6 for 7 on 50+ yard attempts this season and 3-for-3 on kicks from 59+ in his NFL career. But Clay was sure to emphasize that Elliott wasn’t the only one who contributed to the successful kick.

The offensive line’s block, the perfect snap from long snapper Rick Lovato, and a great hold from punter Braden Mann all played crucial roles. Elliott also adeptly managed the tricky wind conditions at the Linc.

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