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Eagles’ Tush Push Stalls as Officials Tighten Calls and Defenses Catch Up

Tighter officiating combined with defensive adjustments has turned the once-automatic short-yardage play into an uncertain option.

Overview

  • Philadelphia failed on multiple push attempts in Saturday’s 29-18 win at Washington, including a no-gain at the 1 and two false starts by Fred Johnson and Landon Dickerson.
  • The Eagles entered the game converting 61.1% on fourth down this season, down sharply from success rates above 80% with the play in prior years.
  • Coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged opponents are stopping it more often and said the team must adjust to restore past effectiveness.
  • Left tackle Jordan Mailata said officials recently instructed linemen to keep shoulders parallel to the line of scrimmage and suggested stricter enforcement could end the play next year.
  • Owners previously fell short of banning the tactic with 22 votes in favor, and the play remains legal as players insist they will keep using it while they refine execution.