Chicago Bears show controversial Philadelphia Eagles move can work for all teams

06 October 2023 , 16:37

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Justin Fields used Jalen Hurts' 'tush-push' on Thursday night to show how effective it is (Image: 2023 Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have had a 'cheat code' up their sleeves for multiple seasons with their 'Tush Push' quarterback sneak, but the Chicago Bears have proved that they can master the play also.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have received a lot of criticism for their unique quarterback sneak whether they're at the goal line or fourth and short — and it rarely ever fails for them. It involves their biggest offensive linemen getting behind Hurts, and forcing him either into the end zone or into territory where they can pick up a first down.

Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons are two NFL stars who have supported their methods and credited the strength of the Eagles offense as other teams fail to replicate it with the same success. However, on 'Thursday Night Football' the Bears proved that they can also do it, as Justin Fields inspired victory over the Washington Commanders.

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The Bears picked up their first win of the season on Thursday with a 40-20 win over the Commanders, and it was an offensive masterclass from Fields and wide receiver DJ Moore in particular. Fields threw four touchdowns on the night, three of them to Moore who ended the game with 230 yards off just eight receptions.

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Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was very aggressive on Thursday, urging the Bears to go for it on fourth down on a number of occasions. It's clearly something they've been working on, as Fields became the first quarterback other than Hurts to successfully complete three push sneaks since the start of last season.

There have been calls made to the NFL to ban the Eagles' 'Tush Push' due to how successful it proves to be for them, but the league has made no moves to suggest that a rule change could be made. The Bears are the first team to properly replicate the unique sneak, and it could catch on around the league.

Hurts' 'tush-push' has been widely criticised as the debate rolls on (Getty Images)

Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels is one of those against the 'Tush Push', and was furious while live on air that the Bears had taken inspiration from the Eagles. Alongside Michaels in the booth was Kirk Herbstreit, who said that when the Bears used the sneak created by the Eagles: "There’s nothing you can do."

But Michaels made his thoughts well known, as he replied: "Nothing. Except change the rule next year." But top NFL players disagree, with Parsons one of the best placed to give his thoughts as one of the game's top defensive players.

Parsons could easily have given a biased opinion, seeing as the Dallas Cowboys are arch-division rivals with the Eagles. But Parsons said: "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.

"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."

Joseph McBride