The Eagles are one of the NFL’s most efficient teams on fourth down and that’s because they’re almost impossible to stop when attempting a quarterback sneak.
Philadelphia’s version includes two running backs behind quarterback Jalen Hurts in a semi-victory formation. Upon the snap of the football, Hurts uses his powerful legs to push forward, and the two players behind offer some assistance.
According to Dean Blandino, a rules analyst for Fox Sports and The 33rd Team, The league’s competition committee is expected to take a hard look at the Tush Push play that was so effective for Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles this season.
“I think the league is going to look at this, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a change,’’ said Dean Blandino, a rules analyst for Fox Sports and The 33rd Team, who was the NFL’s vice-president of officiating from 2013 to 2017.
Per NFL stats, Hurts converted 36 of 40 quarterback sneaks this season, and six of his 10 rushing first downs in the Super Bowl came via quarterback sneaks.
Pushing a ball carrier to help move him forward has been legal in the NFL since 2005, but Philadelphia became the first team to use it in such a powerful, and demoralizing way for an opponent.
