Are the Eagles Moving Away from the Tush Push? Sirianni Faces a Tactical Shift with New-Look Roster

Philadelphia, PA – March 16, 2025, 01:04 AM PDT
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason departures have not only left gaps in their roster but may also mark the end of an era for the NFL’s most debated play: the Tush Push. After losing key heavyweights like Mekhi Becton, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams, head coach Nick Sirianni faces a critical question: can the Brotherly Shove survive with a slimmer lineup?

The Tush Push, a tactic where Jalen Hurts is propelled forward by a scrum of linemen, has been the Eagles’ red-zone ace, boasting an 81% success rate over three seasons (108 attempts, 39/48 in the 2024 playoffs). But the exits of Becton (6’7”, 363 lbs, to the Chargers), Sweat (6’5”, 265 lbs, to the Cardinals), and Williams (6’3”, 290 lbs, to the Patriots) have stripped the team of the raw bulk needed to execute this play. New additions like Adoree’ Jackson (5’11”, 185 lbs) and Joshua Uche (6’3”, 241 lbs) bring speed and agility but lack the sheer mass for such a power move.

Sirianni, who once called banning the Tush Push “unfair” after Super Bowl LIX, acknowledged on February 26 that the play requires “high synchronization” (NBC Sports Philadelphia). With the NFL under pressure to ban the play—Green Bay proposed it at the owners’ meeting, citing its “lack of skill” (The Guardian)—some speculate Sirianni may pivot to a speed-based offense. “Nick now has a roster built for agility,” former Eagles center Jason Kelce noted on New Heights. “Shotgun spreads or zone reads could let Hurts and Barkley shine.”

The Eagles still boast Landon Dickerson (6’6”, 332 lbs) and Lane Johnson (6’6”, 317 lbs), but without Becton’s mammoth presence, the Tush Push may drop from 36 annual attempts to 20, sources suggest. Fans on X are divided: “The Tush Push is our identity—don’t ditch it!” one wrote, while another countered, “It’s time to evolve; Hurts can do more than just push.” As the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, Sirianni’s next play call could redefine their championship blueprint.