Could a kicking competition be brewing in Philadelphia between Cameron Dicker and Pro Bowler Jake Elliott?
An opportunity arose for 22-year-old Dicker — "Dicker the Kicker" — when Elliott missed last week's game with an ankle injury. Early last week, the Eagles flew in Dicker for a tryout and then added him to the 53-man roster.
In his first NFL game, a 20-17 victory over the Cardinals, Dicker made both extra point attempts and two field goals, including the winning 23-yarder.
For his work, Dicker earned Week 5 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. This marks the fifth consecutive week in which the Eagles have had a player recognized as an NFC Player of the Week — the only team so honored.
#Eagles K Cameron Dicker said he’s had more than 100 friends and family members reach out with congratulatory messages over the past few days.
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) October 12, 2022
Nick Sirianni awarded Dicker the Kicker with the gameball from Week 5 victory over Arizona, pictured here on the top shelf of his locker pic.twitter.com/0e7Ny9fgac
The former Texas Longhorns star has never been shy to embrace the spotlight. Dicker set a record for the most field goals as a freshman in Texas history. He earned a place in the hearts of Longhorns fans everywhere for a game-winning, 40-yard field goal against Oklahoma in the 2018 Red River Showdown.
What a week for former @LTHSCavFootball & @TexasFootball standout @CameronDicker!
— Tyler Feldman (@TylerFeldmanTV) October 10, 2022
Signed to the @Eagles practice squad Tuesday. Gets 1st NFL start Sunday and hits 23-yard game-winner to help Philly improve to 5-0.@JalenHurts (Bama): "Dicker the Kicker from UT. How 'bout that?" pic.twitter.com/QbRoWQ0Rad
Dicker has carried this confidence and swagger with him into the NFL. When asked if he felt the pressure of the eventual winning kick following the victory in Arizona, Dicker played it cool.
“No. Not at all. It was easy. Same thing as going out there on a normal kick. Just run out and go make it,” per Dave Zangaro of NBCSports.
Elliott has returned to practice on a limited basis, but his status for Sunday night against Dallas is still uncertain. If he doesn't return, fans may be content seeing "Dicker the Kicker" again. Even if Elliott plays, one fan suggested the team keep Dicker around "just for vibes."
He certainly exudes the confidence worthy of the 5-0 Eagles, the only undefeated team in the NFL.
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