In a game where the final score is often overshadowed by player evaluations, the Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a dramatic 16-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, thanks to a late-game heroics from kicker Jake Elliott. After a night filled with rare misfires, Elliott delivered when it mattered most, sealing the win with a 49-yard field goal as time expired.
The evening was a rollercoaster for Elliott, who had an unusually shaky performance. His struggles began early, missing an extra point off the left upright following a touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to Will Shipley. The woes continued late in the fourth quarter when Elliott clanked a 50-yard attempt off the right upright, leaving the game tied with just 16 seconds left.
However, the Eagles’ defense quickly flipped the script. Baltimore's quarterback Emory Jones, just recently inserted into the game, was stripped of the ball by linebacker Patrick Johnson on the Ravens' very next play. The turnover provided Elliott with a shot at redemption, and this time, he didn’t miss.
"That was fortunate," Elliott remarked postgame. "It wasn't the kind of game I wanted, but I’m glad I got another shot."
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni remained confident in his kicker despite the earlier misses. “I’ve got full faith in Jake," Sirianni said. "He faced some adversity tonight, but I know he’ll be even better because of it."
Both teams were without their star quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts, which contributed to a low-scoring affair. Josh Johnson, filling in for Jackson, and Kenny Pickett, newly traded to the Eagles, struggled to ignite their offenses. The Ravens did manage to tie the game in the fourth quarter with a one-yard touchdown sneak by rookie quarterback Devin Leary, but it wasn’t enough to fend off the Eagles’ late rally.
For Baltimore, the game marked their third consecutive preseason loss, following a historic 24-game winning streak. Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the tough situation Jones was placed in. "He’s a young player, and this is part of the learning process. The speed of the game is different, and that was a tough spot for him," Harbaugh commented.
While the outcome of the game holds little significance in the bigger picture, it provided valuable insight into the depth and readiness of both squads. Philadelphia’s rookies, including linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, stood out, while Baltimore’s revamped offensive line showed potential despite the loss.
The Eagles also experimented with their infamous “Tush Push” play, converting twice in crucial moments without the usual personnel. It’s a sign that Philadelphia is continuing to innovate, even in preseason settings.
Despite the drama and the errors, the night ended on a high note for the Eagles. With the preseason just getting underway, both teams will look to iron out their kinks and prepare for the regular season. For Elliott and the Eagles, this game served as a reminder that perseverance can turn a challenging situation into a triumphant one.
Comments