Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (28) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The NFL opened its curtains on Wednesday with a marquee matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wanted to start their title defense on the right foot, while the Patriots looked to avenge their loss in the Super Bowl in February.
After the Patriots opened the scoring in the second quarter, the Seahawks tried to tie the count with 4:40 left in the said frame. They attempted a variation of the tush push of the Philadelphia Eagles on fourth and short, with AJ Barner lined up under center.
The defending champions, however, were whistled for offsides, resulting in a five-yard penalty and a forced punt.
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Fans took note of the call and roasted the Eagles.
“Eagles will NEVER get called for that. Only Seattle gets this type of call,” said @SonicsRCP.
“They won't call it on Philly,” echoed @b_israel14.
“Every NFL fanbase besides the Eagles seeing the Seahawks get called for offsides on a tush push,” stated @braden_burcham, adding a GIF.
A similar comment was made by @Tylerferg_, saying: “Eagles fans watching the tush push get properly officiated.”
“Good, they (Seahawks) were (offsides). Now, call it on the Eagles when they do it,” suggested @xxGritzNGravyxx.
The tush push, which the Eagles have popularized in recent years, has been a controversial tactic. While some appreciate its gamesmanship, some believe it is ruining the game, with several camps urging the NFL to ban it.
Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni has repeatedly defended the tush push, dismissing the incessant complaints as “sour grapes.”
As of this writing, the Patriots are leading the Seahawks, 10-0, in the third quarter.