Plenty of NFL personalities are calling for the league to outlaw the so-called ‘tush push’ that the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts continue to use
Recently retired NFL defensive back JJ Watt has defended the Philadelphia Eagles for using the ‘tush push’ as the league faces fresh calls to amend its rules to counter the controversial play.
The strategy sees the Eagles position two of their burliest defensive players behind quarterback Jalen Hurts in short-yardage situations. Then, after taking the snap from under centre, the pair physically shove him forward.
It is a somewhat unstoppable take on a traditional quarterback sneak, which Philadelphia is finding unparalleled success utilising. Hurts ran for a one-yard touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after deploying the play during the third quarter on Monday night.
The week before, against the Minnesota Vikings, another two touchdowns came from the formation. While it is something that the Eagles have deployed dating back to last season and their run to the Super Bowl, its prevalence throughout the first weeks of the new season is leading to renewed criticism of the play.