The Philadelphia Eagles have found a nearly unstoppable way to pick up first downs in short-yardage situations with the “tush push,” and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has no problem with it.
Speaking ahead of his team’s Week 14 matchup with the Eagles on Sunday, Jones explained his thoughts on the unique play that Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia have been utilizing. He also thinks that eventually, defenses will learn how to stop it.
“I don’t have that kind of issue with those techniques,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday. “That to me will ultimately take care of itself. … Those things have a way of being adjusted after a period of time. Usually, it’s cyclical. And when you see something really going, gets an edge on offense, you’ll see the defense catch up with it. … And so I think you’ll ultimately see that plugged up, and they’ll be doing something else.”
While many have worried about Hurts taking unnecessary hits whenever Philly employs the tush push, Hurts has been able to avoid any serious injuries, and the Eagles have been punishing opposing defenses in short-yardage moments as a result of the play.
Jones added that he doesn’t even think the push is what makes the play so effective.
“I don’t know that the pushing aspect of it is where the battle is won,” Jerry Jones said. “I think it’s the initial get off. I think it’s the initial positioning. I think it’s the lineman getting underneath the defensive guy. I think it’s the art of the quarterback to feel the soft spots, the crack. … But I think there’s an art of the deal here. And to me, it’s not a problem.”
One thing is for sure: opponents have not yet been able to figure out a way to stuff Hurts and the Eagles’ offense whenever they run the tush push, the Cowboys included.
Philadelphia defeated Dallas last month in a close 28-23 battle. The Eagles will go for the sweep this weekend in a pivotal NFC East divisional clash.
Philly is currently 10-2 and sits one game ahead of the Cowboys for first place in the division.
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