Nick Sirianni sends message to NFL about ‘tush push’ play

Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reacts in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 33-22. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday picked up another win with the help of their virtually unstoppable quarterback sneak. After the game, head coach Nick Sirianni had a strong message for the NFL about the play.

The Eagles used the so-called “tush push” on multiple occasions in their 31-17 win over the Miami Dolphins, including when Jalen Hurts pushed the ball across the goal line from the 1 to give Philly a 17-3 lead late in the first half.

Sirianni was again asked about sneak in his his postgame press conference. He said the success the Eagles have had with the play, which many now call the “Brotherly Shove,” makes it feel like every first down for the Eagles is 1st-and-9. Sirianni also noted how other teams have not had the same success with it and asked the NFL not to ban it.

“People can’t do it like we can do it.”#Eagles coach Nick Sirianni with a passionate defense of the Brotherly Shove, noting one of the cold, hard facts: Few other teams can do it. pic.twitter.com/NcTArwCN71

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2023

“You’ve seen across the league that people can’t do it like we can do it,” Sirianni said. “They can’t do it like we can do it. So I’m making my plug right there — don’t ban this play. If everybody could do it, everybody would do it.”

Some were surprised when the NFL chose not to ban the “tush push” play last offseason. Many across the league believe the play turns into a rugby scrum instead of showcasing players’ athleticism. The NFL and NFL Players Association are planning to look into it again after the 2023 season.

Sirianni is right that the “tush push” is not a cheat code for all teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers ran it in their win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and appeared to be stuffed short, though they were bailed out by a terrible spot.

The Eagles have simply found a play that works for them, and opponents find it almost impossible to stop.