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Jalen Hurts' blunt response on Eagles' fake Tush Push trick against Buccaneers

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles | By Gourab Saha | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles have a play that’s become their signature. It’s their version of a knuckleball, a seemingly simple yet unstoppable force that dominates the conversation. Defenses know it's coming on short yardage. They stack the line. They dig in. It’s a heavyweight fight in a phone booth, a brutal test of wills for one crucial yard. But what happens when the magician reveals a new trick from the same old hat?

On Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Eagles answered that question. They lined up for their infamous Tush Push on third-and-goal from the six. The defense braced for the inevitable shove. Instead, Jalen Hurts pivoted and handed the ball to Saquon Barkley. The result was a walk-in touchdown, a masterpiece of misdirection. This fake didn't just score; it added a dangerous new layer to their offensive playbook.

Hurts’s post-game reaction was as direct as the play itself. When asked about the fake, the quarterback offered a characteristically blunt assessment. He stated, “I don't have too much of an in-depth explanation for what it was. You know exactly what you saw.” Indeed, everyone saw a defense completely fooled. This gadget play was no gimmick. It was a calculated strike. However, the Eagles' offense hit a wall after halftime.

Hurts went 0-for-8 passing in the second half. The team managed negative total yardage. Fortunately, their special teams and defense built a cushion. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown started the scoring. Kicker Chase McLaughlin did hit a record 65-yard field goal for Tampa Bay. But the Eagles' early work proved insurmountable.

A Win is a Win, But Questions Remain for the Eagles

Despite the flawless record, the Eagles know they must improve. The second-half offensive freeze is a concerning trend. Rookie Moro Ojomo, who had a critical late-game sack, summarized the mentality perfectly. He noted, “It's better to learn winning than it is to learn losing.” The team is gathering victories while identifying clear flaws. This ability to win ugly is a hallmark of seasoned contenders. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers mounted a furious comeback led by Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield connected on two explosive touchdown passes of 77 and 72 yards. Ultimately, though, the Eagles' defense made the necessary stops. A late interception in the red zone and a final fourth-down stand sealed the 31-25 victory. The Eagles now have 20 wins in their last 21 games. And coach Nick Sirianni couldn't resist a small victory lap for his controversial play.

“It’s an exciting play,” Sirianni said. “Makes it pretty exciting, right?” He pointed to the fakes as proof of the play's strategic depth. Meanwhile, Barkley praised the play call from coordinator Kevin Patullo. “Great call by KP,” Barkley said. “It’s an answer we have. It definitely makes teams more aware of it now.”

So the Eagles march on, undefeated. They possess a brutalizingly effective base play. Now they have showcased a lethal fake from that same formation. Time to rake things up now.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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