The Philadelphia Eagles may not be playing that well to start the season, as they needed overtime just to get past the inferior Washington Commanders 34-31 on Sunday and have recorded just one double-digit win so far.
But they are one of just two undefeated teams in the league right now, and they’re on pace to have a shot at avenging their heartbreaking loss in last season’s Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.
As was the case last season, the Eagles’ running game is a major lynchpin, as they rank seventh in rushing touchdowns and second in rushing yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is helping out with 134 yards and three touchdowns on the ground so far this year.
One reason they’re so effective at gaining yardage on the ground, especially in third or fourth and short situations, is their use of the so-called “Tush Push,” where Hurts’ offensive linemen help shove him toward the first-down marker on sneak plays.
Dallas Cowboys Micah Parsons says that the play is a cheat code for Philly.
“The Eagles have the best offensive line in the game, so yes it’s a cheat code, they’re unstoppable at it, and they have a quarterback that squats 600,” Parsons said. “It’s hard to say it’s illegal for one team because of who they have, we just have to deal with it.
“We can’t just cry foul and call it illegal because of their talent. We’ve got to adapt, be ready to counter it, and find a way to stop it.”
Philly ranks in the top 10 in both third and fourth down conversions, and it is no doubt because of its use of the “Tush Push.”
While Hurts is doing his thing under center, running back D’Andre Swift is putting together a strong campaign with 364 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns through four games. He has replaced Miles Sanders, who made the Pro Bowl last year and left to join the Carolina Panthers in free agency during the offseason.
The Eagles are fifth in both points and total yards, but their defense, which was rock-solid last year, is struggling. It ranks just 16th in points and yards allowed, and it is particularly struggling when it comes to defending the pass.
They will have two relatively easy games against the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets coming up in the next two weeks before they host the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. We will see if the cheat code that Micah Parsons has revealed continues playing at the level they have been.
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