The "Tush Push?" It's been moving the Eagles.

[Auggie]

Last edited Fri Dec 1, 2023, 09:27 PM - Edit history (1)

San Francisco Chronicle / 12-1-2023

What was notable about the Tush Push answers this week in the 49ers’ locker room before their meeting against the Eagles on Sunday? The defensive linemen — the guys who will be on the front line of the slow-motion car crashes — weren’t in a joking mood when it came to answering questions about the almost-automatic quarterback sneak that has become the Eagles’ signature play.

For the uninitiated: The play involves 223-pound QB Jalen Hurts, who can squat 600 pounds, driving behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines while multiple teammates shove him from behind.

The 49ers don’t run the Tush Push, but (49ers) center Jake Brendel understands why his Eagles counterpart, first-team All-Pro Jason Kelce, has termed it “grueling.”

Despite the discomfort, the end results have usually been fun for the Eagles, who have converted 25 of 27 (92.6%) Tush Push sneaks in 2023 and 62 of 68 (91.2%) since last season. In 2023, Hurts has eight of his 11 rushing touchdowns on the play.

Link (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-don-t-sound-confident-thwarting-eagles-18524718.php

QUOTE (from the link): “It’s probably one of the most unstoppable plays in football right now,” (San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius) Ward said.

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How are the Eagles working it? According to interviews in the link, the Eagles’ front five is the key. The linemen have a unique skill — they can drive the pile forward while getting low. Says 49ers Linebacker Fred Warner, "The way they kind of torpedo and then are able to move their feet through contact, even though they are at a weird angle, I’ve never seen any other O-line attack it that way.” It's said to be unappreciated (or unexpected) on a play that looks like it’s all about brute strength.

Something to look for this Sunday when San Francisco plays Philadelphia.

[True Dough]

1. The other factor in the Eagles' success with this play

is Jalen Hurts' extraordinary leg and glute strength. There's a video of him squatting 600 pounds! I'm sure Brock Purdy is no weakling, but I doubt he's on Hurts' level.

[Auggie]

2. Wilkes said the best strategy is to keep them from 4th and short

Yeah, technically true but also ridiculous. I might be inclined to go after the ball and force a fumble. Whatever the 49ers strategy is, they’re not saying.

[Xavier Breath]

3. At one time the penalty for "helping the runner"

was for pulling, carrying and pushing the runner, but the NFL hasn't called the penalty in decades and actually removed the part about pushing. It's time to reinstate it. What they're doing may be within the letter of the rule, but I believe it not to be within the spirit. It's a damn rugby scrum and it needs abolished. YMMV.

[Auggie]

4. Didn't know about that rule. Thanks for sharing.

[Xavier Breath]

10. It exists at the high school, college and NFL levels

but you never hear it called. I imagine at this point all but the most nerdy don't even know it exists.

[sl8]

5. The name brings to mind "The French Mistake"

By Mel Brooks

[Verse 1]
Throw out your hands
Stick out your tush
Hands on your hips
Give 'em a push
You'll be surprised
You're doing the French Mistake
Voila!

[Bridge]
Come on try it, move those feet along
Fifty million Frenchmen can't be wrong
Whee!

[Auggie]

6. +1

Blazing Saddles, right?

[sl8]

7. Right you are! nt

[milestogo]

8. This is how you practice for it.

[Auggie]

9. Hope to see Jalen Hurts do that tomorrow on 4th and 1 ...

instead of run forward.