The ‘tush push,’ a play as recognizable as it is controversial, has become a staple in the modern NFL, especially for the Philadelphia Eagles since Jalen Hurts took over as quarterback. This unique short-yardage strategy, designed to convert crucial first downs and touchdowns, has sparked debate and strategic adaptations across the league. Ahead of the 2025 season, there was discussion about banning the play, but it remained legal.
Despite defensive efforts to neutralize it, including innovative approaches like lining up defensive linemen perpendicular to the offensive line, the ‘tush push’ continues to prove effective. This article delves into a detailed review of the Eagles’ ‘tush push’ plays in the 2025 season, focusing on potential missed false start penalties. We’ll examine specific instances from their first nine games, providing a comprehensive analysis of whether the Eagles have indeed been gaining an unfair advantage.
What is the Tush Push?
The ‘tush push,’ also known as the ‘Brotherly Shove’, involves the quarterback being propelled forward by teammates pushing from behind. It’s primarily used in short-yardage situations, typically 1-2 yards to gain a first down or score a touchdown. The play’s effectiveness lies in its ability to generate consistent forward momentum, making it exceedingly difficult for defenses to stop.
Jason Kelce said ‘tush push’ could be banned if NFL can’t officiate it properly.
The continued success of the ‘tush push’ has not only frustrated opposing teams but has also ignited discussions about its fairness and legality. Some argue that it gives an undue advantage to teams capable of executing it well, leading to calls for the NFL to re-evaluate its place in the game.
Eagles Tush Push Stats in 2025
Through Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season, the Eagles have utilized the ‘tush push’ with Jalen Hurts 18 times in short-yardage situations (1-2 yards to go), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The play has become a key component of their offensive strategy, particularly in critical moments where gaining a first down or scoring a touchdown is paramount.
The Eagles’ most recent use of the ‘tush push’ sparked considerable debate during their Week 10 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Observers noted that multiple Eagles offensive linemen appeared to jump early on a crucial third-and-1 play. Troy Aikman was one of those observers during the game broadcast.
Here’s a breakdown of every tush push play with Hurts as the ball-carrier, detailing the down, distance, and outcome:
- Week 1:
- 13:24 in the fourth quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Eagles’ 22-yard line: Converted
- 11:05 in the fourth quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Eagles’ 32-yard line: Converted
- Week 2:
- 3:44 in the first quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Chiefs’ 43-yard line: Converted
- 8:30 left in the fourth quarter, 3rd and goal from the Chiefs’ 1-yard line: Not converted
- 7:53 left in the fourth quarter, 4th and goal from the Chiefs’ 1-yard line: Converted
- 5:29 left in the fourth quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Eagles’ 25-yard line: Converted
- 2:13 left in the fourth quarter, 2nd and 1 from the Chiefs’ 32-yard line: Not converted
- 2:00 left in the fourth quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Chiefs’ 32-yard line: Converted
- Week 3:
- 9:08 in the first quarter, 4th and 1 from the Rams’ 3-yard line: Converted
- 8:12 left in the first quarter, 1st and goal from the Rams’ 1-yard line: Converted
- 3:47 left in the third quarter, 4th and 1 from the Rams’ 11-yard line: Converted
- Week 4:
- 9:02 in the second quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Giants’ 3-yard line: No gain
- 8:31 left in the second quarter, 4th and 1 from the Giants’ 3-yard line: Converted
- 7:42 left in the second quarter, 1st and goal from the Giants’ 1-yard line: Not converted
- 7:02 left in the second quarter, 2nd and goal from the Giants’ 1-yard line: Converted
- Week 5:
- 11:30 in the first quarter, 4th and 1 from the Eagles’ 45-yard line: Converted
- Week 6:
- 12:57 in the second quarter, 4th and 1 from the Giants’ 11-yard line: Converted
- Week 7:
- 8:18 in the first quarter, 3rd and 1 from the Eagles’ 18-yard line: Converted
With a conversion rate of 14 out of 18 attempts, the ‘tush push’ has proven to be one of the most effective plays in the NFL for the Eagles.
Potential Missed False Starts on the Tush Push in 2025
Concerns about potential missed false start penalties have been a recurring theme surrounding the Eagles’ execution of the ‘tush push’. In their Week 10 game against the Packers, the issue came to a head when multiple offensive linemen appeared to jump early, prompting criticism from analysts like Troy Aikman.
Specifically, both guards, Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, were identified as having potentially committed false starts. Upon closer examination, it was determined that this was the most blatant instance of a false start by the Eagles’ offensive line observed across the analyzed plays.
Troy Aikman said that the refs missed the false start during live broadcast.
Aside from the Week 10 incident, the review revealed only two other instances where a reasonable argument could be made about an Eagles lineman jumping early. These occurred during the Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In both plays, Steen was seen moving his arm upward before Jason Kelce snapped the ball. The first instance, at the 8:30 mark of the fourth quarter, resulted in a failed conversion. The second, at 5:29 of the same quarter, led to a successful first down.
Conclusion
While the controversy surrounding potential false starts on the Eagles’ ‘tush push’ is valid, it’s important to maintain perspective. The Week 10 game against the Packers highlighted a particularly egregious instance of missed penalties, but the data suggests that such occurrences are not the norm. The analysis indicates that, on average, a potential false start occurs once every six attempts. This suggests that while adjustments may be needed, a complete ban on the play might be an overreaction.
The play’s overall effectiveness and the relatively infrequent nature of clear false starts suggest that the ‘tush push’ is not inherently unfair. Instead, increased scrutiny and more diligent officiating may be sufficient to address concerns about potential rule infractions. As the NFL continues to evolve, finding the right balance between innovation and fair play will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the game.
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