NEW ORLEANS (AP) — In the ever-evolving NFL lexicon, two words have captured the attention of fans and opponents alike: Tush push. This rugby-style play has become a signature move for the Philadelphia Eagles under the guidance of coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts, earning both praise and ire across the league.
Sirianni often remarks that every first down for the Eagles feels like first-and-9, showcasing the effectiveness of their unique strategy. The tush push proved its potency during a pivotal moment in the NFC championship game against Washington, where the Commanders struggled to contain it, drawing multiple penalties for offside infractions in a single series of plays. The rule book even stipulates that repeated fouls to prevent a score can result in the offensive team being awarded points, a threat the Commanders experienced firsthand.
Despite opponents knowing what to expect when facing the Eagles’ tush push, they have struggled to thwart its success. However, the Kansas City Chiefs may have cracked the code on how to counter this formidable play. In the AFC title game, the Buffalo Bills, employing their own variation of the tush push, found limited success against the Chiefs’ defensive scheme, showcasing a potential strategy to neutralize the Eagles’ offense.
Looking back at their previous Super Bowl clash, the Chiefs emerged victorious over the Eagles, but not due to the tush push. Hurts managed to score multiple touchdowns using the play in both encounters, highlighting his versatility and impact on the field. As they prepare for another showdown, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo faces the challenge of devising a plan to contain Hurts and the Eagles’ potent offensive line.
With the Super Bowl looming, the stage is set for a thrilling battle between the Chiefs and the Eagles, each striving for supremacy in a high-stakes matchup. As the football world eagerly anticipates the outcome, the question remains: Will the Chiefs find a way to thwart the unstoppable tush push, or will the Eagles prevail once again with their innovative strategy?
The physicality of the tush push is something that teams have really honed over time. It can be a challenge to defend against, and those who struggle to stop it often resort to making excuses. For instance, Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy voiced his disapproval of the tush push on the team’s website after their loss to the Eagles, calling it “bad for the game.” He criticized the lack of skill involved and how it almost guarantees a first down on short-yardage plays. Murphy also mentioned a specific instance in the NFC Championship Game where the Commanders jumped offsides in an attempt to disrupt the play, which he found to be ridiculous. He even suggested that the league should consider banning pushing or assisting the run in such a manner.
But when asked about the idea of banning the tush push, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni simply dismissed the critics. He highlighted the success his team has had using the play, pointing out that not every team in the league can execute it effectively. Sirianni referenced a recent game where Kansas City successfully defended against a similar play by Buffalo, underscoring the importance of having the right personnel to make it work. In his view, the Eagles’ proficiency with the tush push is a result of the talented players on their offensive line.
Despite the controversy surrounding the tush push, the Eagles have managed to utilize it to near-perfection this season, even with Cam Jurgens stepping in for the retired Jason Kelce at center. Their success can also be attributed to having a quarterback like Hurts, who possesses the strength to withstand the pressure, as well as a formidable offensive line featuring Pro Bowl standouts Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson.
Whether deemed controversial or not, there is a glimmer of hope that the Eagles could potentially leverage the tush push to secure a Super Bowl victory.
