Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Baffling non-fumble call in Eagles-Giants will be another dagger for tush push

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 9:08 AM ET

The NFL and several of its teams have been trying to get the Philadelphia Eagles' tush push play banned for a couple of years now, and the play may have finally met its match on Sunday.

A baffling non-fumble call in the Eagles' game against the New York Giants might finally be the tipping point to get enough owners on the side of banning the play.

Baffling non-fumble call could be the tipping point for owners

With the Eagles facing a 4th-and-1 on the Giants' 11-yard line, they naturally lined up for the signature play, and they ran it. Not only did the right guard seem to move early, but as QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles were still pushing forward, Giants defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux clearly ripped the ball out of Hurts' hands and fell on it for what looked to be a huge turnover.

The only problem: Officials ruled that Hurts' forward progress had been stopped. Even though he was not down, he was still pushing forward himself and was still being pushed by his teammates. Because the call on the field was that his forward progress was stopped, the play was not reviewable by replay.

Do you think this should have been a fumble on this tush push?

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— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 26, 2025

Critics of the play have created an extensive list of arguments for why it should be banned, from the aesthetics of the play to the argument that it is not really a football play to player safety. The most convincing argument, however, might be the simple fact that officials have absolutely no clue how to officiate the play. Especially as it relates to the Eagles.

The Eagles getting away with false starts on successful tush pushes this season has been a huge talking point. The league was said to be cracking down on it, but it has not consistently gotten it right.

Now this play, which seemed to be incorrectly called and took a turnover away from the Giants, might be the breaking point. It will certainly be the biggest controversy to come from the play yet. The Eagles not only got the first down, but also scored a touchdown to conclude the drive.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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