Eagles’ Tush Push Falters in Loss to Bears - and Jalen Hurts Isn’t Sweating It
The Philadelphia Eagles have built a reputation around the most talked-about short-yardage play in football - the infamous “Tush Push.” But in Sunday’s 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears, that signature play backfired in a big way, and it may have cost them the game.
Midway through the third quarter, with the Eagles facing a manageable 3rd-and-1 deep in Bears territory, Jalen Hurts lined up for what’s become almost automatic in Philly - a quarterback sneak with a little help from behind. But this time, it wasn’t business as usual.
Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright made a heads-up play, ripping the ball out of Hurts’ hands and recovering the fumble. Just like that, a promising drive turned into a gut punch.
Momentum? Gone.
For a team that’s leaned so heavily on the Tush Push to keep drives alive and demoralize defenses, that single moment served as a reminder: even the most reliable plays can be cracked.
Hurts: “There Are Multiple Ways to Attack Short Yardage”
After the game, Hurts was asked about the future of the Tush Push and whether the Eagles need to rethink how they approach those critical one-yard situations. Calm and composed, the quarterback didn’t sound too concerned.
“There are multiple ways to run a quarterback sneak,” Hurts said. “There are multiple ways to attack short-yardage defense and short-yardage opportunities. Over my six years of being here, we’ve done that in multiple ways.”
Translation? The Eagles aren’t married to one play, even if it’s been their bread and butter.
Hurts pointed to the team’s versatility and the ongoing discussions about how to keep defenses guessing. He knows they’ve got more in the toolbox than just a shove from behind.
Defenses Are Catching On
Let’s be honest - the Tush Push has been a nightmare for defensive coordinators. But like any dominant play, it was only a matter of time before teams started to figure out how to counter it.
The Bears didn’t just stop it - they flipped it into a momentum-swinging turnover. That’s the kind of play that sends a message to the rest of the league: the Tush Push isn’t invincible.
And while the physicality of the play - bodies piled up, linemen driving forward, Hurts taking hits - might not be everyone’s favorite, Hurts has never shied away from contact. Still, there’s been growing talk around the quarterback’s usage in the run game.
Statistically, Hurts is on pace for the lowest rushing output of his career. Reports have circulated that he’s asked for fewer designed runs to preserve his health, though Hurts has denied that. Whether it’s by design or not, the numbers suggest a shift in how he’s being used - and it’s something worth watching as the season progresses.
Credit Where It’s Due: Patullo’s Creative Wrinkles
One thing the Eagles have done well, even amid the criticism, is add some variety to their short-yardage looks. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has sprinkled in some creative twists off the Tush Push formation - and they’ve worked.
We’ve seen Hurts fake the sneak and flip it to Dallas Goedert on a screen. We’ve seen a quick toss to Saquon Barkley off the same look - a play that went for a touchdown against the Chiefs. These aren’t just gimmicks; they’re calculated counters, designed to punish defenses that sell out to stop the sneak.
That’s the next evolution for this offense. The Tush Push might still be in the playbook, but the Eagles are realizing they can’t rely on it every time they need a yard.
Sometimes it’s the threat of the push that opens up something else. And that’s where Philly can stay ahead of the curve.
Bottom Line
The Eagles’ loss to the Bears wasn’t just about one play - but that fumble on the Tush Push was a turning point. It exposed the risks of relying too heavily on a single tactic, even one as effective as the quarterback sneak.
Jalen Hurts isn’t panicking, and neither should the Eagles. They’ve got the personnel, the creativity, and the experience to adjust.
But the message is clear: in today’s NFL, even the surest things can slip away. And when they do, you better have a Plan B ready.