Eagles’ Tush Push Falters as Jalen Hurts’ Fumble Seals Loss to Bears
The Philadelphia Eagles’ once-dominant tush push is facing a stark decline. Renowned for its effectiveness, the play had an impressive success rate of 96 percent in converting crucial downs into first downs or touchdowns. However, this season, it resembles more of an uncoordinated effort than the well-oiled machine it once was.
A Critical Misstep in a Defining Moment
The culmination of this decline was painfully evident during a pivotal moment in their 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears on Black Friday. The Eagles’ attempt to execute the tush push turned catastrophic when quarterback Jalen Hurts fumbled the ball, a misstep that not only cost them a potential lead but also shifted the momentum of the game.
“It sounds like it got knocked out when we were trying to push the pile forward,” said center Cam Jurgens. “I couldn’t really tell. You guys probably have a better view from the TV cameras. I couldn’t really see how it got knocked out. We just have to be better. That’s not a play where we want to turn the ball over.”
A Defensive Spark Ignites Hope
Before the fumble, the Eagles were sparked by defensive playmaker Jalyx Hunt, who secured an interception from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Hunt’s second interception of the season set up the Eagles with excellent field position at Chicago’s 36-yard line, trailing just 10-9 after scoring their first touchdown of the game.
The offense had shown promise, moving down the field in rapid succession, culminating in a 33-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to A.J. Brown. Despite a missed extra point by Jake Elliott, the Eagles seemed poised to capitalize on their momentum.
A Missed Opportunity
Following Hunt’s interception, the Eagles advanced with three consecutive runs from Saquon Barkley, bringing them to the Bears’ 12-yard line. Faced with a third-and-one situation, Barkley appeared to have crossed the line for a first down, yet officials ruled him short. With the tush push in their playbook, the Eagles seemed primed to reclaim the initiative. But then disaster struck. Hurts fumbled, and Chicago recovered, snuffing out a golden opportunity to take the lead.
The Bears seized control of the game with a 12-play, 87-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes, culminating in a touchdown that extended their lead to 17-9.
Referees’ Decisions and Future Implications
While the referees’ judgment on Barkley’s forward progress was contentious, the inability to secure the ball on Hurts’ part proved more costly. “I was hoping that (his forward progress) was stopped, but it wasn’t,” Hurts reflected. “It was kind of similar to the New York game except that they just didn’t blow the whistle as soon. That’s not to point the finger at anyone else. I mean, I have to hold onto the ball. It definitely presents itself as an issue, and it always has. It just never got us, and so it got us on Friday, and it’s something that we and I need to tighten up.”
The Future of the Tush Push
As the season progresses, questions linger regarding the effectiveness of the tush push. Could the NFL’s push to ban the play during the offseason be affecting the mindset of players and coaches? Factors such as injuries within the offensive line, including Jurgens’ offseason back surgery and in-season knee issues, may also be contributing to the play’s decline.
Ultimately, Jalen Hurts acknowledged his responsibility for the fumble, stating, “It’s becoming tougher and tougher, but ultimately, me holding onto the ball, that’s something I can control.” As the Eagles look to regain their footing, they may need to reconsider their reliance on a play that has become increasingly problematic this season.
