Jake Elliott is just a rookie. But it’s possible that the Philadelphia Eagles kicker made the biggest kick he’ll ever make on Sunday.
Tied at 24-24 with the New York Giants, the Eagles decided to send Elliott out for a 61-yard field goal attempt, rather than try for a Hail Mary. He made the decision a good one.
61 yards.
For the WIN.GOT IT! #FLYEAGLESFLY https://t.co/gGULiknrWD
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2017
IT'S GOOOOOOOOOD! ARE YOU KIDDING?! 61 YARDS! #EAGLES WIN! pic.twitter.com/6sTMNuQvIq
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 24, 2017
While the game was tied, a lot could have gone wrong here.
First of all, the ball could have been blocked and returned by the Giants.
Secondly, the keen observer likely noted that Odell Beckham Jr. was lined up just short of the goalposts, ready to return a short kick. Anyone who remembers Auburn and Alabama in 2013 knows how that can go.
All in all, it was a phenomenal kick from Elliott to give his team a big division win.