Should the Eagles stop using the Tush Push?

Several weeks ago, the Philadelphia Eagles attempted to gain first-down yardage with their most infamous play. The New York Giants jarred the ball loose, but the whistle had blown. It was ruled that forward progress had been stopped.

The Eagles retained possession. No one gave it much thought. Sure, there was a fumble, but the officials determined there wasn't. No harm done... No foul...

Weeks later, the Birds are playing in a standalone game vs. the Chicago Bears. They face a similar situation. They need a first down. They line up for the Brotherly Shove. Again, the ball was jarred loose. This time, an early whistle wouldn't save them.

Two lessons must be learned. Lesson number one is simple. Hang on to the doggone ball.

Lesson number two is a bit more involved. Philadelphia isn't enjoying the same success by running the game's most controversial play. Their recent failure cost them a game, and that warrants a conversation.

It's time the Eagles have a serious Tush Push conversation.

It's a moment that will live in infamy. Okay... That's a bit dramatic. Maybe it wasn't that huge, but it certainly stands out as one of the most critical moments of the most recent Eagles loss.

The Eagles had just scored on a pretty pass from Jalen Hurts to A.J. Brown. Jake Elliott missed the extra-point attempt that would have tied the game, but as they had done all season, the defense made a play to set the offense up for success.

Jalyx Hunt came up with an interception in Bears territory, but his effort was wasted. Four plays later, Jalen Hurts and company lined up in a third-and-one scenario to attempt 'you know what'.

Nahshon Wright ripped the ball free from Hurts' grasp. He recovered the fumble. The Bears went on a 12-play drive that ate up 6:44 of the clock.

That drive ended with another touchdown. Chicago's lead extended to 17-9, and just about every inch of hope the Eagles had left had evaporated.

“I was hoping that (his 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. It definitely presents itself as an issue, and it always has. It's just never gotten us, and so (Friday) it got us, and it's something that we and I need to tighten up.”

That's a direct quote from Hurts. There were still almost 13 minutes remaining on the clock when Philadelphia got the ball back, but it felt like the game was already over. The Eagles can't create consistent offense, and now the Tush Push isn't even as effective as it once was.

Who would have thought? Maybe it's time for the Eagles to make the tough call. Perhaps this play has run its course. Sure, we hope we're wrong, but the numbers signal the success rate has plummeted. So has the play's approval rating.

Two days after the Eagles' last win, one versus the Detroit Lions, we examined the Brotherly Shove and found some humbling data. Philadelphia had only found success with one of its six attempts vs. Detroit.

At that point in the season, the Eagles had attempted the play 24 times. They had only converted on 15. That's a success rate of 62.5 percent. That's a massive drop from the 92.6%, 88.1%, and 82.4% success rates they earned in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively.

There are whispers, and they're growing louder. Who would have thought? We never would have thought that Brotherly Shove fatigue would have come from the Eagles faithful.

It's past time to have the tough conversations. It's time to place more thought into what A.J. Brown hinted at. The NFL has adjusted to what the Eagles offense does well, and it's time for Philadelphia to make adjustments of its own.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: It's time for the Eagles to have the tough Tush Push conversation