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The Eagles‘ unique QB sneak strategy caught the attention of the entire NFL last season, as Jalen Hurts and his teammates executed the play to near perfection.
Now, tight end Dallas Goedert has shed light on just how much opposing defenses despised the play during an appearance on the popular “Pardon My Take” podcast.
According to Goedert, whenever the Eagles utilized their innovative QB sneak, rival defenses would express their frustration and disdain. They would hurl derogatory remarks at the Eagles, calling them names like “P******” and “Soft,” while urging them to “run a real play.”
However, the Eagles would simply respond by reminding their opponents that if they didn’t want to face a 3rd or 4th & 1 situation, they should prevent the Eagles from gaining those crucial yards.
The rugby-inspired QB sneak, affectionately dubbed the “Tush Push,” emerged as a formidable weapon in the Eagles’ offensive arsenal. This unique play involved Hurts positioning himself behind the team’s offensive linemen, much like a rugby scrum formation.
Instead of a straightforward quarterback sneak, Hurts would receive assistance from his teammates in the backfield. If the opposing defensive line provided significant resistance, Hurts’s teammates would push him forward, enabling him to gain those crucial short yardages.
The “Tush Push” became the Eagles’ go-to play in short-yardage situations, leading to an exceptional success rate.
It allowed the team to convert crucial downs and maintain offensive momentum in various game scenarios.
The success of the “Tush Push” not only caught the attention of opposing teams but also drew scrutiny from the league itself. As rumors circulated about the possibility of the play being banned in the 2023 off-season, the NFL eventually decided against implementing such a measure.
Former vice-president of officiating, Dean Blandino, publicly said the league should look into banning the play: “I think the league is going to look at this, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a change.”
While the opponents may have resented the Eagles’ innovative approach, it was evident that the “Tush Push” had become an integral part of their offensive identity.