D’Andre Swift likely would have more on his Eagles resume, especially touchdowns, if not for the team’s infamous “Tush Push” or “Brotherly Shove.” So much so that center Jason Kelce has started apologizing for it each time the running back gets tackled at the one-yard line.
“Every time D’Andre Swift gets tackled at the one [yard line], I just look at him in the huddle and I’m like, ‘I’m so sorry man, you know exactly what we’re about to do,’” Jason Kelce said with a laugh to his brother Travis Kelce on their weekly “New Heights” podcast. “Swift, news flash, go down at the two or get in the end zone! Don’t go down at the one because it’s 100 percent the next play we are running,” he added.
The tush push was uniquely developed through head coach Nick Sirianni’s time with the Colts and has gone further as the coach of the Eagles as it has since become highly effective in short-yardage situations. Kelce gets under the opposing defensive line, allowing Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to plow forward with the help of teammates behind him to earn a first down or a rushing touchdown.
Philadelphia most recently executed the play on Christmas day in their 33-25 victory over the Giants, which marked Hurts’ 15th rushing touchdown of the season. That him into the history books for passing Cam Newtown’s all-time record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a quarterback. So far this season, Swift has tallied a career-high 988 yards on 216 rushing attempts, along with five touchdowns, across the team’s 15 games.
The Eagles (11-4) are after redemption and a newfound spark after a three-game losing streak same them fall to the 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks. After knocking off the Giants, they still have a chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC if they win their remaining two games in the regular season and if the 49ers and Lions lose one of their final two games.
