Eagles’ Jordan Mailata Reflects on Possible End of the Tush Push
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive lineman, Jordan Mailata, openly expressed his feelings regarding the potential demise of the team’s notorious “tush push” play. As discussions heat up around the play’s future in the NFL, Mailata’s candid remarks encapsulate the mixed emotions surrounding this controversial yet effective tactic.
A Controversial Play’s Journey
The “tush push” was nearly extinguished during the NFC Championship Game on January 26, when Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu attempted to leap over the Eagles’ offensive line—not once, but twice—in an effort to thwart the play from the 1-yard line. The controversy reached a peak when referee Shawn Hochuli declared that a touchdown would be awarded if the Commanders continued their offside antics. Despite the heated discussions, the play survived the owners’ vote in the spring, only to be thrust back into the spotlight following a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
During their 20-17 victory over Kansas City, the Eagles utilized the tush push, igniting debate among national analysts. Head coach Nick Sirianni addressed concerns about the potential ban on the play, emphasizing the need to focus on the immediate challenges at hand. “We don’t have to deal with it right now,” he stated, highlighting the importance of improving the play while managing external criticisms. The Eagles plan to continue using the play, albeit with tighter officiating expected as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Mailata’s Emotional Response
Mailata didn’t shy away from voicing his thoughts on 94WIP during a radio segment and later at his locker. He conveyed a sense of resignation about the play’s fate. “It’s like a sad day, but at the same time, you’ve got to give it up,” he remarked. The left tackle likened the situation to facing a countdown, jokingly suggesting that they might still call the play “18 times this year,” depending on how things unfold.
In contrast, center Cam Jurgens maintained a more pragmatic stance, focusing on the team’s overall success rather than the fate of the play. “I just care about winning games,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of results over tactics.
Pushback Against Criticism
Mailata also expressed frustration towards critics, particularly NFL commentator Adam Schefter, who remarked that the Chiefs had lost the game in March by not banning the tush push. “I don’t give a (bleep) what Adam Schefter says,” Mailata fired back, further asserting that he doesn’t control play-calling. His passion for the play was evident as he described it as “a beautiful piece of art,” showcasing the coordination and effort that goes into successfully executing the tactic.
The Eagles employed the tush push seven times against the Chiefs, converting on five of those attempts, which highlights its effectiveness despite the ongoing scrutiny. “It’s definitely a work of art,” Mailata said, inviting other teams to embrace the play. “You guys can do it. This is my official plea to all the teams out there—you can run the tush push just like we can.”
The future of the tush push remains uncertain as the NFL grapples with the play’s implications. For now, Mailata and the Eagles are determined to continue utilizing the strategy while navigating the evolving landscape of league regulations and public opinion.
