Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 8, 2024 6:43 am GMT
The Philadelphia Eagles are making waves ahead of the 2024 NFL season, particularly with the anticipated debut of former center Jason Kelce on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. As the Eagles gear up for the new season, all eyes are on how the absence of the legendary Kelce will impact one of their most successful plays—the “Tush Push.”
The Tush Push: A Key Strategy for Success
The Eagles’ “Tush Push” has gained recognition as one of the most effective short-yardage plays in the NFL over the last few seasons. Emerging prominently during Philadelphia’s run to Super Bowl 57, this strategic play has continued to thrive, particularly in the 2023 NFL season, where the Eagles achieved an impressive 37 conversions out of 40 attempts on quarterback sneaks. This high success rate underlines the Tush Push’s critical role in the Eagles’ offensive strategy.
The effectiveness of the Tush Push is attributed to multiple factors, chiefly the strength and agility of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts has been a primary force behind the play’s success, capable of leveraging his remarkable physical prowess—evidenced by his ability to deadlift an astounding 620 pounds. However, it is essential to recognize the significant contributions of the Eagles’ offensive line, especially Kelce, whose agility and quick first step were instrumental in its execution.
Jason Kelce’s Impact on the Tush Push
Jason Kelce, who announced his retirement after the Eagles’ playoff elimination by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a cornerstone of the Philadelphia offense throughout his 13-year career. He was named an All-Pro in six of his last seven seasons, and his unique skill set made him a critical player in executing the Tush Push.
During his tenure, Kelce excelled at quickly creating small lanes that allowed Hurts to navigate through the defensive line. Although he may not have been the heaviest center in the league, his athleticism and ability to move swiftly allowed him to push back against larger defensive tackles effectively. As a result, Philadelphia consistently ran the Tush Push behind Kelce, leveraging his ability to generate forward momentum.
The Future of the Tush Push without Kelce
The primary question for the Eagles as they head into the 2024 season revolves around the effectiveness of the Tush Push without Kelce. While Hurts undeniably remains a crucial player for its success, the team will need to evaluate the capabilities of his replacement, Cam Jurgens. Jurgens started 11 games at guard during the 2023 season, achieving a Pro Football Focus grade of 61.4, ranking him 31st among 79 NFL qualifiers. He proved particularly effective as a run blocker with a grade of 64.8.
One advantage for Jurgens is that center is his natural position, having played there during his college career at Nebraska, where he was recognized as a high-end draft prospect. The Eagles invested a second-round pick in him during the 2022 NFL Draft, viewing him as a potential successor to Kelce. With a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.66, Jurgens compares favorably to Kelce’s score of 9.50, which suggests he has the physical attributes necessary to take on the demanding role of center. His impressive 10-yard split further signifies the quick reaction time and burst needed for successful snaps.
Evaluating Jurgens’ Potential
As the Eagles move forward, the question remains whether Cam Jurgens can match Kelce’s impact on the Tush Push. His experience at guard may translate positively as he shifts to center, but the scale of Kelce’s shoes to fill is significant. The organizational confidence in Jurgens often hinges on his ability to replicate Kelce’s quickness and power. The preliminary evaluations of Jurgens indicate potential, but actual performance during the season will ultimately dictate how the Tush Push adapts in 2024.
Conclusion: The Tush Push’s Future
Jason Kelce’s retirement is a big change for the Eagles, and fans are wondering how the team will change its short-yardage plays. As they get ready for a new season, a lot will depend on Cam Jurgens and how well he performs in tough situations. The upcoming games will show if the Eagles can keep their strong offense and how well Jurgens can help make this important play work.
