The Eagles’ mastery of the ‘Tush Push’ has recently come under increased scrutiny.
This offseason, the Green Bay Packers tabled a motion to ban the play. Twenty-one other franchises voted in favour, falling just short of the 24 required for the proposal to pass.
I will not delve too deeply into the politics of which teams supported or opposed the motion. However, it is worth exploring why the play has been so successful, and why it has become so controversial.
The science and numbers behind the Tush Push
Several key factors contribute to the effectiveness of the Eagles’ now-iconic short-yardage tactic:
- Offensive line power: Philadelphia boast one of the most dominant offensive lines in the league. Their cohesion and strength allow them to consistently win the leverage battle at the line of scrimmage.
- Jalen Hurts’ physicality: Quarterback Jalen Hurts is built more like a running back, featuring a low centre of gravity and exceptional lower-body strength. He is the engine driving the push.
- Timing and technique: The Eagles execute the play with surgical precision. From the snap to the coordinated surge and push from behind, each movement is synchronised. This is not just brute force – it is biomechanics and muscle memory.
- Strategic edge: The Tush Push creates chaos in confined space, often catching defences off balance and drawing penalties. It forces opponents into unfavourable, reactive positions.
The results speak for themselves. In the 2024 season, the Eagles converted 39 of 48 initial attempts – an 81.3% success rate.
On eight of the nine failed attempts, they re-ran the play and succeeded on the next try, pushing their effective success rate to a staggering 97.9%.
By comparison, the league-wide average for quarterback sneaks and similar short-yardage plays hovers around 74%.
So why ban it?
Critics argue that the ‘Tush Push’ undermines the spirit of competitive balance.
It is so effective for the Philadelphia Eagles that other teams have struggled to replicate it. This is largely due to their lack of the personnel and precise timing that makes the play tick.
There are also philosophical concerns. Is this still football, or does it more closely resemble a rugby scrum?
Some believe it removes the creative element from short-yardage situations and instead prioritises brute strength.
Then there is the safety argument. With player protection a constant concern, the NFL has considered whether such high-impact, low-leverage collisions carry a higher risk of injury.
However, league data from 2024 revealed no recorded injuries directly attributable to the ‘Tush Push’, so it is fair to say that claim is weakened.
The politics are no less complicated.
Because the Green Bay Packers are publicly owned, they were reportedly asked to table the motion on behalf of the league – perhaps to avoid a potential backlash aimed at more powerful franchises.
What comes next?
Whether the ‘Tush Push’ will eventually be outlawed remains uncertain.
For now, the play remains legal. Until teams find a reliable way to stop it, the Eagles will continue using it for first downs and touchdowns.
Is this a tactical innovation, or a loophole that erodes the sport’s competitive integrity?
My personal belief is that it should be banned. The Eagles’ offensive line, and the unit as a whole, is already good enough without it. The concern I have is not just about fairness, but safety.
If and when the play is finally stopped, the concentrated force and mass involved could result in a serious injury.
Until that decision is made, Godspeed to every defensive line preparing for third-and-short against the Eagles!
