The “Tush Push,” also known as the “Brotherly Shove,” has become one of the most dominant and controversial plays in the NFL, particularly for the Philadelphia Eagles. The play, which involves pushing the quarterback forward to gain short-yardage conversions, has been a major factor in the Eagles’ success over the past three seasons. It has contributed to their two Super Bowl appearances and 39 regular-season wins.
While the Tush Push is not banned, it has led to debate across the league, with some teams unsuccessfully pushing for its removal. The Eagles’ near-perfect execution of this play has left defenses scrambling for solutions.
How The Tush Push Works
The Tush Push is a quarterback sneak with extra assistance. Jalen Hurts lines up behind center. When he receives the snap, his teammates, usually tight ends or running backs, immediately push him forward as the offensive line clears the way. Coaches typically call this play in short-yardage or goal-line situations when they need only a yard or less for a first down or touchdown.
This strategy is highly effective, especially for the Eagles. In the 2022 season, Philadelphia executed the play successfully 36 out of 39 times, achieving an impressive 92.3% success rate. Many argue that the play resembles a rugby scrum more than traditional football and does not showcase individual athletic skill.
The Eagles ruined the NFL with the tush push.
— PickensBurgh🫡 (@PickensBurgh) January 26, 2025
Unreal.
For the 2024 season, the league made a minor rule adjustment that requires players to start at least one yard behind the quarterback when pushing him. The league introduced this rule to reduce injury risks by preventing immediate shoves after the snap. Despite this change, the play remains highly effective, and teams still struggle to find a consistent way to stop it.
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Why The Eagles Execute It Better Than Anyone Else
The Eagles’ dominance with the Tush Push is not just about Hurts’ strength but a combination of crucial factors. Hurts himself is an athletic powerhouse, capable of squatting 600 pounds, an unusual feat for a quarterback. However, the success of the play is largely due to Philadelphia’s elite offensive line.
Hurts typically pushes forward behind left tackle Jordan Mailata (365 pounds) and left guard Landon Dickerson (332 pounds), creating a combined force of 697 pounds. Add in center Cam Jurgens (303 pounds), and the Eagles’ offensive line becomes nearly unstoppable. As Jurgens put it, “It’s like a truck with four-wheel drive. If something goes wrong, like a flat tire, it’s not gonna work. It’s all of us moving together in unison.“
"It's like a truck with four-wheel drive. If something goes wrong, like a flat tire or this or that it's not gonna work. It's all of us moving together in unison."
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) February 7, 2025
Why do the #Eagles run the "tush push" so well? Here's the secret sauce. https://t.co/NHPlEYGwPX
This combination has led to staggering efficiency. In the 2024 season (including playoffs), the Eagles successfully converted the Tush Push 38 out of 47 times. Even when they failed, they often attempted it again on the next play, converting eight out of nine times, including two conversions due to defensive offsides caused by the formation. The only true failed attempt was in Week 1 due to a botched snap, which resulted in a field goal instead of a first down.
Opponents have attempted to counter the play but with little success. The Washington Commanders tried jumping offside repeatedly in an NFC Championship game, only to be told by officials that continued infractions would simply result in awarding the Eagles a touchdown. The lack of effective defensive countermeasures has fueled frustration among rival teams and fans, leading to ongoing calls for the NFL to outlaw the play.
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