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Eagles’ Tush Push Touchdown Rekindles Ongoing NFL Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 2:14 PM ET

It did not take long in Week 3 of the NFL season for the most controversial play to spark more discussion.

The "tush push," which involves the Eagles calling a play for their quarterback Jalen Hurts to run the ball up the middle while a teammate or teammates "push" him from behind, led to the first touchdown of the game.

Controversy came when it appears there was a missed false start on an Eagles rush push earlier in the drive. Ironically, then, the touchdown came from Hurts on the exact same play.

This came after the NFL apparently informed the league's officials they needed to watch the play closely this week.

It appears there was a missed false start on an Eagles tush push.

Soon after, they scored a touchdown... On a tush push!

: FOX pic.twitter.com/5iozl3TKXn
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 21, 2025

NFL vice president of officiating training and development Ramon George via the Washington Post, this week had this to say:

“Anytime we have this situation, we’re in short yardage, we know we want to make sure that we officiate these plays, the offensive team has to be perfect in every aspect."

He continued with more:

“We want to officiate it tight. We want to be black and white and be as tight as we can be when we get into this situation where teams are in the bunch position, and we have to officiate them being onside, movement early.

Hurts, the 27-year-old who played his college football at Oklahoma, came into Week 3 against the Rams with 23 carries, 77 yards, and three touchdowns. The Eagles won their first two games over the Cowboys and the Chiefs.

Following the game against the Rams, the Eagles will head to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers in Week 4. To start October, the Eagles will host the Denver Broncos.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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