League voting is finished and the tush push has survived.
A proposal to get rid of the play, which the Philadelphia Eagles brought to light, failed to pass at the NFL’s owners meetings in Eagan, Minnesota on Wednesday.
Despite heated debates around the league, it seemed like their go to short yardage play was used for the final time, however the Eagles prevailed. The proposal needed 24 votes to pass and it received 22, falling just short of approval.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the tush push play.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the tush push play.
Eric Hartline
The Eagles have essentially perfected the play, leading to a significantly higher success rate with the Tush Push (87%) compared to the league average (71%). With 124 attempts since 2022, they have run the play more often than any other team, leading to 33 touchdowns and 106 first downs.
According to Fox’s Colin Cowherd, there’s a clear reason as to why they are so successful.
“This tush push works because it’s the biggest offensive line in league history and it works because Jalen Hurts squats 600 pounds, and he’s small, Cowherd said.”
With the combination of having multiple elite offensive lineman and a phenomenal rushing quarterback, it makes complete sense. Other franchises such as the Buffalo Bills have adopted the play, leading to a 78.4% conversion rate on quarterback sneaks, running it 37 times in 2024.
Cowherd emphasized Hurts’ unique ability, noting that many other quarterbacks probably wouldn’t be as good at the play as the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
“It’s a lot of Jalen Hurts,” Cowherd said. “Even with that offensive line, it doesn’t work with Jared Goff. It’s not working with Brock Purdy. It’s probably not working with Joe Burrow. It works with Jalen Hurts.”
The Eagles’ claim to keep their unstoppable play relies on safety and their collection of unique talent, which allows them to do it better than anyone else.
“I do think Philadelphia’s argument is, A there is no data that people are getting hurt and B, we have unique personnel,” Cowherd added. “Don’t punish us for being the deepest offense in the league.”