The Philadelphia Eagles made several changes this offseason following a disastrous end to 2023, yet the most notable loss was the retirement of former All-Pro center Jason Kelce.
While current starter Cam Jurgens was essentially handpicked by Kelce to be his eventual replacement, he got off to a rocky start against the Green Bay Packers.
Eagles Fail To Convert First Tush Push Attempt Without Jason Kelce
After Philadelphia’s offense started the game with back-to-back turnovers, the Eagles finally settled in on the team’s third drive.
The offense was on a roll, but Philadelphia failed to convert the team’s first “Tush Push” attempt without Kelce.
On third-and-1 early in the second quarter, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore dialed up Philadelphia’s seemingly automatic, go-to play call in short-yardage situations.
Unfortunately, Green Bay’s defense stonewalled Philadelphia’s first Tush Push attempt, aas Jurgens and the interior of the team’s offensive line couldn’t generate the push that Kelce once did for the Eagles.
first tush push without Jason Kelce pic.twitter.com/bD3vyLmO2T
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 7, 2024
The Eagles decided to dial up the Tush Push once again on the very next play. Green Bay’s defense jumped offsides, and Philadelphia picked up the first down due to a penalty.
Prior to Friday night’s matchup, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the NFL clarified the rules regarding Philadelphia’s go-to play.
“The play remains legal despite offseason conversations about banning it,” Russini stated. “But a rule clarification now stipulates that the ‘pushers’ need to start at least 1 yard behind QBs.
“The alignment would eliminate an immediate shove from behind.”
While it remains unknown if Philadelphia’s failed attempt was due to the new rule change, it will certainly be worth monitoring moving forward.
Later in the second half, the Eagles successfully converted the “Tush Push” thanks to an assist from Dallas Goedert and Saquon Barkley, giving Hurts a boost.
The team’s struggles with the Tush Push weren’t the only issue following Kelce’s departure.
Cam Jurgens, Jalen Hurts Miscommunication Causes Early Turnover
If the pressure of replacing an Eagles legend and potential Hall of Fame center wasn’t enough for Jurgens, his first start at the position was under the bright lights of prime-time television.
After Hurts ended Philadelphia’s first drive with a horrendous interception, the team’s turnover struggles continued on the very next possession.
While Hurts monitored Green Bay’s defense prior to the snap, Jurgens fired the ball at him, which caused the team’s second turnover of the game.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has received criticism for not playing any of the team’s offensive starters in the preseason this year. The offense’s early struggles against the Packers won’t help quiet those criticisms at all.
Philadelphia’s offense eventually got on track, marching down the field for a touchdown on the team’s third possession. Yet the growing pains of Jurgens at center and his communication with Hurts is certainly a situation worth monitoring moving forward.
Eagles Botch Snap on Late Game-Clinching Tush Push
The Eagles had an opportunity to seal a win on Friday night with a late game “Tush Push” attempt. Yet Jurgens and Hurts botched the snap and Saquon Barkley was forced to fall on the ball.
While the Eagles were able to avoid disaster and ultimately settled for a field goal, it allowed the Packers to have a chance to win the game.
Philadelphia failed to convert on 3rd-and-1 twice against the Packers. The Eagles only failed to convert twice in that scenario just once last season, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
It’s fair to wonder if the days of the “Tush Push” being an unstoppable play for the Eagles are over. As Philadelphia struggled mightily to consistently run the play against the Packers in Week 1.