Jalen Hurts Admits Reality Check as Defenses Start Cracking the Tush Push

Jalen Hurts admitted that it's getting hard to run the tush push following his latest fumble in the Eagles defeat against the Bears.

Jalen Hurts Admits Reality Check as Defenses Start Cracking the Tush Push

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on failed tush push attempts in latest defeats (Image via IMAGO)

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Tush Push has yielded great results for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles over the years. However, lately, other teams have begun to discover ways to counter the move, once viewed as impenetrable.

The latest crack in the tush push surfaced during the Eagles’ Black Friday game against the Chicago Bears. After struggling to muster a consistent line of attack, the Eagles decided to head back to their roots and use the tush push for their benefit.

On 3rd & 1 in the third quarter while trailing by one point, the Eagles initiated the tush push. Hurts lunged forward, but before he could lock the first down, Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright snatched the ball loose.

The officials blew the whistle to stop the clock. After a brief pause, the main referee ruled the play as a turnover for the Bears. The Eagles protested by claiming that Hurts’ forward progress had stopped before Wright intervened. However, the ruling stood.

I was hoping that [forward progress] was stopped, but it wasn’t. It was kind of similar to the New York [Giants] 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.

Jalen Hurts told the reporters after the game

Hurts admitted that teams are starting to find counter measures to the tush push.

It’s becoming tougher and tougher [to run the tush push]. But ultimately, me holding onto the ball, that’s something I can control.

Hurts quipped (H/T: NBC Sports)

That fumble shifted momentum into the Bears’ favor. They scored two touchdowns through rookie running back Kyle Monangai and tight end Cole Kmet in the fourth quarter to secure a 24-15 victory. AJ Brown scored a late touchdown to make the score look competitive.

Jalen Hurts has played well despite the Eagles late struggles

Back to back wins against the Giants and the Packers set the Eagles on the path of reclaiming their NFC title heading into the bye week. After spending their week off as the top seed, the Eagles faced and defeated rivals Detroit Lions 16-9 in Week 11.

Jalen Hurts Admits Reality Check as Defenses Start Cracking the Tush Push
Jalen Hurts (Image via IMAGO)

Then came the big NFC East showdown against the Cowboys. Hurts threw for 289 yards and one touchdown while also scoring two on the ground, but the Cowboys won 24-21.

This result was a massive blow for the Eagles, as they behind the Los Angeles Rams in the race for the NFC number one seed. However, a bigger disappointment turned out to be the Bears fixture.

A win would have handed the Eagles their ninth victory, instead they are 8-4 from 12 games.

Hurts found himself under scrutiny, but it was offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo who bore the brunt of the fans’ frustration, with many calling for the first-year coach to be fired. Still, Hurts believes in Patullo and remains committed to supporting him.

I have confidence in him. I got confidence in this team. I got confidence in us. I got confidence when we’re collaborative. I got a lot of confidence when we have an identity, so that’s the first thing we gotta establish.

Jalen Hurts said

The season is still not over. Up next, the Eagles play the 7-4 Los Angeles Chargers in LA. The Eagles are 2.5 point favorites to secure a win.

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