Jalen Hurts Says Eagles' Tush Push is 'Becoming Tougher and Tougher' After Fumble

After losing a crucial fumble during Friday's 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts admitted that the Tush Push is becoming a more challenging play to execute properly.

With the Eagles trailing the Bears 10-9 late in the third quarter, the Eagles lined up for their signature Tush Push on a third-and-1 at the Bears' 12 yard-line. Hurts was not only stopped, but he also fumbled the ball when Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright ripped it from his grasp, causing a key turnover:

Speaking to reporters after the game, Hurts gave his take on the evolution of how defenses defend the Tush Push, saying, "It's becoming tougher and tougher. But ultimately, me holding onto the ball, that's something I can control."

The Eagles have been regularly utilizing the Tush Push since 2022, and it has been close to unstoppable in short-yardage situations since then.

However, things have gotten dicier this season, as Friday was not the first time that Hurts lost the ball while fighting for a first down.

During a Week 8 win over the New York Giants, Hurts had the ball stripped in the midst of a Tush Push by Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Eagles were fortunate, though, as the officials ruled that Hurts' forward progress was stopped before the fumble occurred.

Hurts compared the plays in the Bears and Giants games, saying, "I was hoping that [the forward progress] was stopped, but it wasn't. It was kind of similar to the New York 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 today it got us, and it's something that we and I need to tighten up."

The Tush Push was nearly outlawed prior to the 2025 season, but 24 votes were needed to ban it, and only 22 teams voted to take it out of the game.

Philly's signature play has continued to be shrouded in controversy this season due in large part to the belief that it isn't officiated consistently enough.

Hurts' non-fumble in the Giants game is one example, plus there have been multiple occasions where it looked like Eagles offensive linemen moved early, only for no false start to be called.

The Tush Push's future is very much in question, but now that teams are figuring out how to create chaos when defending it, it is fair to wonder if the Eagles may change their approach.