Bears Bracing for Eagles' Tush Push, A High-Effort Play to Counter
The Chicago Bears have been putting in extra work to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles' "Tush Push," a play that defensive tackle Grady Jarrett calls one of football's most hated. Quarterback Jalen Hurts takes the snap and is shoved forward by his teammates, leaving defenders scrambling to recover.
Coach Dennis Allen has devised a strategy not just to stop the play itself but also the various moves that spring from it. The Bears fell victim to the Eagles' "Tush Push" last week, with running back Kenneth Gainwell breaking through for 55 yards on fourth-and-one.
The Eagles have countermeasures in place, but their main concern is plugging the middle of the defensive line. Other teams have resorted to extreme measures to stop the play, including laying defenders flat or sending them flying over the line. However, Allen's approach will be more traditional: if a defender covers the player being shoved forward, they're expected to shove the one in front of them forward.
The Bears' plan is simple yet effective: high effort and teamwork. "Just a high-effort play with everyone doing what they needed to do," Jarrett said. As the NFL playoffs approach, teams are taking steps to counter this pesky play β but the Bears are prepared to put their strategy into action head-on.
The Chicago Bears have been putting in extra work to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles' "Tush Push," a play that defensive tackle Grady Jarrett calls one of football's most hated. Quarterback Jalen Hurts takes the snap and is shoved forward by his teammates, leaving defenders scrambling to recover.
Coach Dennis Allen has devised a strategy not just to stop the play itself but also the various moves that spring from it. The Bears fell victim to the Eagles' "Tush Push" last week, with running back Kenneth Gainwell breaking through for 55 yards on fourth-and-one.
The Eagles have countermeasures in place, but their main concern is plugging the middle of the defensive line. Other teams have resorted to extreme measures to stop the play, including laying defenders flat or sending them flying over the line. However, Allen's approach will be more traditional: if a defender covers the player being shoved forward, they're expected to shove the one in front of them forward.
The Bears' plan is simple yet effective: high effort and teamwork. "Just a high-effort play with everyone doing what they needed to do," Jarrett said. As the NFL playoffs approach, teams are taking steps to counter this pesky play β but the Bears are prepared to put their strategy into action head-on.