The Green Bay Packers recently proposed banning the “tush push” play, a popular tactic in the NFL, especially by the Philadelphia Eagles. This play, also known as the “Brotherly Shove,” is a designed quarterback run primarily used in short-yardage situations.
In this play, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts takes the snap and dives forward, aided by teammates pushing him from behind. The Eagles have effectively used this strategy in recent years, gaining traction during Doug Pederson’s coaching from 2016 to 2020.
Conversations about this play have circulated around the league. Although it was discussed before the 2023 season, it wasn’t voted on at that time. By December 2023, NFL executive Jeff Miller noted that studies on injury risks associated with the play didn’t yield significant findings.
The “tush push” has proven effective for the Eagles. Last season, they had the fourth-best fourth-down conversion rate, achieving success 70.4% of the time. They also ranked second in the NFL with 29 rushing touchdowns, many of which were facilitated by this play. Hurts led all quarterbacks with 14 rushing touchdowns, primarily in critical goal-to-go situations.
Jason Kelce, a former Eagles lineman, believes that even if the “tush push” is banned, the Eagles will adapt and find other ways to secure short yardage. Regardless of the play, the Eagles have been highly successful in yard-to-go situations, boasting a first-down percentage of 73.9% over the past three seasons, behind only the Ravens and Steelers.
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Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, NFL
