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Previewing Redskins Week 7 matchup vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

By Jacob Camenker

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins yells from the sidelines during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins yells from the sidelines during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by teammates after he kicked the extra point in the second half against the New York Giants on September 24, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by teammates after he kicked the extra point in the second half against the New York Giants on September 24, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Rookie kicking battle

Just a few days ago, the kicking battle in this game wouldn’t have been a huge story. The Redskins would have Dustin Hopkins and the Eagles would have solid rookie Jake Elliott at their disposal. However, Hopkins was placed on Injured Reserve with a hip injury. Instead, Washington will march into battle with a new kicker.

Nick Rose is the man who the Redskins tapped to replace Hopkins. The rookie out of Texas doesn’t come with any NFL experience. He played in the preseason twice for both the Falcons and the 49ers, but he didn’t do a lot either time. Most recently, he made 3-of-4 kicks for the 49ers and drilling a 55 yarder. He isn’t very accurate, he only hit 71 percent of his college kicks, but he obviously has a big leg.

The Redskins are going to need Rose to be consistent for them. They were able to rely upon Hopkins from within 40 yards, and Rose has to do the same. If he can hit some 50 yarders too, that would be huge. But accuracy is the most important thing.

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Meanwhile, for the Eagles, Elliott has been a very steady kicker. He was signed off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad after an injury to Caleb Sturgis, and he has done well for the Eagles. After going 4-for-6 in his first two weeks, Elliott has made his last eight field goals. He has made 3-of-4 attempts from over 50 yards and looks like a long term solution at the position for the Eagles.

On Monday night, the kicking battle could be huge if it’s another close game. Both young kickers need to make sure that they are ready for the moment, but the edge right now is clearly with the Eagles. Elliott has done very well and Rose has no actual NFL experience. Rose needs to be ready for the pressure, but it would be understandable if he is nervous at the start of his career.

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