The Tush Push that the Philadelphia Eagles run is basically a specialized version of the quarterback sneak used by most NFL teams. But what’s made the play so effective for Nick Sirianni’s squad is how cleanly and consistently they execute it.
It’s become nearly automatic. Defenses haven’t found a way to slow it down, let alone stop it. But former New York Giants star Michael Strahan has a pretty wild idea for how to kill the Eagles’ signature move.
Michael Strahan’s Secret To Stop the Philadelphia Eagles Tush Push
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense drew a ton of praise, and rightfully so, as they finished as the second-best unit on PFSN’s Defense+ metric. However, the offense was also incredibly effective, between their passing game and Saquon Barkley.
However, at the center of their offensive structure was the Tush Push. The Eagles used it with reckless abandon (48 times) and found a first down or touchdown at an absurd 81.25% rate (39 times). As a result, teams wanted to outlaw the move entirely.
In the league’s annual teams meeting, the Green Bay Packers proposed banning the move altogether, and 16 teams were reportedly on board with the idea. However, it was ultimately shelved to be revisited at a later date with not enough votes to pass.
But for Strahan, formerly of the Giants, stopping the play is a rather simple endeavor. Speaking on the “7 PM in Brooklyn” podcast alongside NBA legend and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, Strahan explained his idea.
“The way I would try to stop it would probably get a fine. I’m gonna tell one of them dudes, ‘Hey, yo, when they hike it, just put your helmet right on that quarterback’s head. I don’t care what you got to do, just send a message,'” Strahan said.
Melo was baffled at Michael Strahan's plan to stop the 'Tush Push' 😂
Strahan: "The way I would try to stop it would probably get a fine … we gonna send a message."
Melo: "That's why I'm glad you out the game man." pic.twitter.com/JlGSSagU4G
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) April 10, 2025
Direct contact with the head is, of course, prohibited in the modern NFL in lieu of the concussion protocol. However, Strahan, as a 15-year veteran with a Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl trophy under his belt, understands the implications.
But making a statement to prevent them from trying again would take precedence over the legality of the move. A six-time Pro Bowler and the record holder for most sacks in a season, Strahan’s physicality as a player was legendary.
Even in an analyst role, it is clear that he hasn’t lost that edge: “If you get a fine, cool, we’ll take care of that for you. But we gonna send a message. You gonna do that Tush Push, this might come back atcha.”
An exasperated Anthony casually remarked, “That’s why I’m glad you out the game, man,” sending the entire podcast into a fit of laughter. It remains to be seen if the hallmark of the Philadelphia playbook remains a legal play next season.
But at least teams have a ridiculously dirty play to make the necessary stop if they want to go that route.