The Philadelphia Eagles evolved the “Tush Push” (or “Brotherly Shove”) from a clever short-yardage gimmick into one of the most polarizing and successful plays in modern NFL history. Its near-automatic conversion rate often gives the impression of an unstoppable force. Opponents simply have to accept this infallible play as a given on third and fourth-and-short situations.
However, the recent matchup against the Minnesota Vikings demonstrated the Eagles’ signature weapon is, in fact, vulnerable. The Vikings’ innovative defensive strategy might just provide the blueprint for other teams. They can use this blueprint to neutralize this powerful offensive tactic.
The Foundation of Success: Simplicity and Execution
The Tush Push has thrived on its simplicity, perfect execution by a dominant offensive line, and Jalen Hurts, a powerful quarterback. Ironically, the grey area surrounding its officiating also helps.
The offensive line drives forward low to execute the play. Teammates assist the quarterback from behind. This gives them a physical advantage. It is difficult to counter, as the offense often appears to gain a crucial fraction-of-a-second leverage advantage on the snap.
Teams have tried to meet force with force. This often leads to a chaotic pile-up that still favors the Eagles. The Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones demonstrated this in the Super Bowl, making an unsuccessful, and even painful, attempt.
Minnesota Defensive Innovation: The “Human Log Jam”
Enter the Minnesota Vikings and their defensive coordinator, Brian Flores. They introduced a truly unconventional approach in their recent game against Philadelphia. Facing a third-and-one late in the first quarter, the Vikings unveiled a defensive alignment. This alignment was designed not to out-push the Eagles, but to occupy the critical space the Tush Push requires to generate forward momentum.
The Vikings with an interesting formation to try and defend the tush push pic.twitter.com/NnS62MtnbJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 19, 2025
Rookie Tyler Batty was key to this novel defense. He lay laterally, positioned directly in front of Eagles center Cam Jurgens. Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez flanked Batty. This alignment effectively created a low-to-the-ground “log jam,” as retired Eagles center and Tush Push architect Jason Kelce later described it.
The objective was clear: use a low-man-wins strategy. This involved inserting a body (Batty) where the Eagles linemen and Jalen Hurts need to drive. This disrupted the crucial low-level leverage the offensive line seeks to establish.
A Playbook for the Rest of the League
An illegal formation penalty on Eagles receiver A.J. Brown in the backfield nullified this specific Tush Push attempt. The penalty was not on the offensive line, which has been the subject of ongoing controversy regarding potential false starts. Regardless, the concept behind the Vikings alignment is a vital step in solving the puzzle.
The Vikings reportedly tried a similar formation earlier in the game, and it resulted in a successful Eagles conversion. However, the second attempt’s outcome shows the strategic value of forcing the Eagles to adjust. A penalty ultimately led to a punt after an incomplete pass on third-and-six.
Vikings attempt to defend the tush push pic.twitter.com/vPlgCXmFAn
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 19, 2025
Three Key Points of the Counter
This development is crucial for the rest of the league. The Tush Push is not a magic play; it is a meticulously executed rugby scrum adapted for football, and any scrum can be disrupted at its point of attack.
First, the Vikings approach highlights the need for extreme low leverage to counter the Eagles surge. By having a player, Batty, literally horizontal and immediately under the center, they force the Eagles to drive over him. This is far more challenging than simply driving through a vertical defender. This shift in leverage could be the difference between a successful conversion and a crucial stop.
Second, the alignment puts pressure on the snap count and execution. The Eagles success often hinges on an instantaneous, coordinated surge. This is why the debate around their offensive line’s pre-snap movement and false starts is so prevalent.
When a defense adopts such an unusual and aggressive front, it naturally forces the offense to hesitate. It also makes them hyper-aware of the defensive presence. This increases the likelihood of uncharacteristic mistakes, such as the false start Brown committed.
Third, and perhaps most significantly, it introduces the concept of strategic space occupation. This is an alternative to brute-force resistance. By creating a literal low blockade, the Vikings are attempting to negate the push from behind. This leaves no clear path for Hurts and the surrounding blockers to gain the yardage needed.
Brian Flores stopped the Tush Push
The Eagles themselves have shown adaptability by running play-action passes out of the Tush Push formation. This includes the touchdown throw to Saquon Barkley earlier this season. Still, the core effectiveness of the sneak remains their short-yardage security blanket (for example, they used four Tush Pushes in the game versus the New York Giants).
The Vikings, led by a creative defensive mind, have now successfully challenged the perception of the Tush Push as an unanswerable question.
Other defensive coordinators will undoubtedly study this tape. They will refine the technique and look for ways to make the “human log jam” a consistent and effective countermeasure. The next iteration might involve more players in the low position or a more synchronized jump-over by interior linemen to prevent the vertical push.
In conclusion, the Vikings creative strategy marks a turning point in the Tush Push saga. It serves as an emphatic reminder that in the NFL, no play is truly unstoppable forever.
By introducing a new, unconventional counter, Minnesota has given the league a strategic starting point. They can use this to destabilize the Eagles most reliable play. This turns the Tush Push from a near-certainty into a contested down-and-distance situation once again. The playbook for defending the Philadelphia Eagles is now rewritten, and it begins with lying down.
Main Image: Brad Rempel – Imagn Images
The post The Philadelphia Eagles Tush Push is Not Unstoppable: Minnesota Vikings Defense Provides a Blueprint appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.