As the Los Angeles Rams gear up to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a crucial Week 12 matchup, the spotlight is on one particular play that has become the Eagles’ secret weapon: the tush push. This seemingly simple yet highly effective quarterback sneak variation, lovingly dubbed “The Brotherly Shove” by Eagles fans, has propelled the team to numerous short-yardage conversions and touchdowns. Now, the Rams are on a mission to find a way to neutralize this play and gain an edge in this high-stakes game.
The Tush Push: A Closer Look
The tush push involves the quarterback lining up under center with multiple players positioned directly behind him. On the snap, these players quite literally push the quarterback forward, using their combined strength and momentum to surge through the defensive line. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been particularly adept at executing this play, amassing an impressive 23 touchdowns on quarterback sneaks over the past three seasons.
A lot of people try to emulate [the play], but they’re the ones that have done it at such a high level, and it’s been really difficult for people to stop.
– Rams head coach Sean McVay
The Rams’ Experience with the Tush Push
The Rams had a firsthand encounter with the tush push’s effectiveness last season when Jalen Hurts scored a one-yard touchdown against them in the Eagles’ 23-14 victory at SoFi Stadium. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner recalled stopping one attempt late in the fourth quarter, describing it as “a crazy feat at the time.” Turner also emphasized the importance of consistently disrupting the play throughout the game to discourage the Eagles from running it in crucial moments.
Eagles’ Continued Success Post-Kelce
Despite the retirement of center Jason Kelce, a key figure in the tush push’s execution, the Eagles have maintained their proficiency with the play. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Hurts has generated an 87% success rate on quarterback sneaks this season, nearly identical to his success rate with Kelce at center from 2022 to 2023. This ongoing dominance has left the Rams searching for answers as they prepare for Sunday’s clash.
The Rams’ Defensive Strategy
Rams rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske acknowledged the challenge of defending against the tush push, given the Eagles’ numerical and physical advantages. With five offensive linemen, a strong quarterback, and additional players pushing, the Rams’ defensive line faces an uphill battle. However, the team remains determined to find a way to disrupt the play and swing the game in their favor.
You only have three d-linemen on the field, or maybe four at most. They got five offensive linemen every play. Then they have a quarterback who squats 700 pounds and the running back who squats 700 pounds and two other people pushing as well. So it’s like you can’t really do too much.
– Rams defensive lineman Bobby Brown III
According to Fiske, the key to stopping the tush push lies in the defensive line staying low and beating the Eagles’ offensive line off the ball. However, this is easier said than done, as the play often occurs in short-yardage situations where the defense can’t afford to overcommit and give up an easy first down. The Rams also face the challenge of preparing for the play without risking injuries in practice, given the high-contact nature of the tush push.
The Ultimate Goal: Keep the Eagles Out of Tush Push Range
In the end, the Rams’ best bet may be to focus on preventing the Eagles from getting into tush push range in the first place. As Brown pointed out, “The goal is just not let them get that close.” By keeping the Eagles’ offense at bay and forcing them into longer-yardage situations, the Rams can minimize the opportunities for the tush push to come into play.
As the Rams and Eagles prepare to square off in this pivotal matchup, all eyes will be on the battle in the trenches. With playoff implications on the line, the Rams’ ability to neutralize the Eagles’ tush push could prove to be the difference-maker. Will the Rams’ defensive strategy be enough to slow down the Eagles’ unstoppable short-yardage weapon? Sunday’s game will tell the tale.
