The terms ‘Tush Push’ and ‘Brotherly Shove’ have become buzzwords across the NFL over the last two years thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Sirianni’s offense has developed somewhat of a staple play over that span – one that caused plenty of backlash around the league due to its infuriatingly high success rate. The good news for Philly fans is, however, that according to Adam Schefter, the play is going nowhere and will remain legal in 2024 and beyond.
What is the Tush Push/Brotherly Shove?
The aptly named ‘tush push’ is a play often used on short downs. Whether it’s at the goal line, or on a crucial 3rd &1/4th & 1, it essentially lines Jalen Hurts up behind an army of some of the most athletic offensive linemen in the NFL. Accompanying him is a supporting cast of playmakers who are there to quite literally shove him into the pile, utilizing the remarkable strength that Hurts and his O-line have to drive the ball through the wall and easily convert for a new set of downs or a score.
Why is it so effective?
It looks and feels like a Rugby play, and criticisms often cite that it doesn’t ’take much skill’. That notion was quickly dispelled in 2023 when other teams around the NFL started experimenting with the play, often ending in sporadic outcomes. Nobody could do it quite like the Eagles.
Jalen Hurts isn’t your average quarterback. He can bench weights like linemen, rush like a running back, and can throw a beautiful deep ball. His impressive lower-body strength is something very few quarterbacks bring to the table, and those who do share his dual-threat skillset often lack in that area especially due to being so nimble. Hurts is a rare breed and the Eagles found out that if they can create some forward momentum, then Hurts often has a great opportunity to drive the ball into the endzone thanks to his power and fearlessness.
The Philadelphia Eagles had a 93.5% success rate when running the iconic play in 2022, and a 92.5% success rate in 2023. Jalen Hurts has scored a total of 28 rushing touchdowns over the last two years, with 13 in 2022 and 15 in 2023. For context, Raheem Mostert led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season with 18.
It’s kind of understandable to see why opposing teams would be mad, but to the level of complaining to the NFL about it? Probably not. There was an attempt to ban the play this offseason, but we found out today that the Brotherly Shove is here to stay, much to the jubilation of fans.
That means we’ll likely be seeing plenty more tush pushes in 2024 and beyond until teams find a way to stop it, or the edge the Eagles have is somewhat nullified. Until then, it remains a borderline-unstoppable play and one that the Birds would be wise to grind down opposing defenses with over and over.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
